Rugby Union, often celebrated globally as the “gentleman`s game,” prides itself on discipline, respect, and camaraderie. Yet, even within its seemingly honourable confines, some professional players become lightning rods for negative sentiment, drawing significant criticism and sometimes outright dislike from fans and fellow competitors alike. This phenomenon stems from a variety of factors, including on-field disciplinary issues, controversial off-field conduct, and career decisions that baffle or alienate the rugby community. Here, we examine the cases of six prominent players whose careers have been marked by periods of unpopularity, exploring the specific reasons behind their divisive reputations.
Israel Folau
Once considered one of the most gifted fullbacks on the planet, Israel Folau`s trajectory exemplifies how rapidly social media can derail a stellar career. In 2019, citing religious beliefs, Folau published a series of online posts widely interpreted as homophobic. Australian Rugby Union bosses, despite his status as a Wallabies star, deemed the posts a breach of contract and terminated his employment. A subsequent legal battle eventually led to a settlement, but it effectively ended his top-level rugby union career in Australia. His move to rugby league saw further controversy when he declined to support the Black Lives Matter movement by taking a knee. After a period away, Folau eventually returned to rugby union, relocating to Japan and switching international allegiance to Tonga. His situation deeply divided the rugby community, highlighting the tension between personal beliefs and the sport`s inclusivity values. While some supported him, fundraising for his legal costs, others condemned his views, cementing his status as a highly controversial figure who never quite regained his previous peak.
Tomas Lavanini
The name Tomas Lavanini is almost synonymous with disciplinary records. The Argentine second row has amassed a remarkable, perhaps infamous, collection of eighteen yellow cards and four red cards throughout his professional career, inevitably leading to numerous suspensions. While valued by coaches for his aggressive nature and high work rate, this intensity frequently spills over into dangerous or illegal play. He embodies the archetypal “hooligan” tag sometimes unfairly attached to forwards in the “gentleman`s game,” consistently leaving fans of his team on edge, wondering when his ill-discipline might prove costly in a crucial match.
Stuart Hogg
Stuart Hogg`s transformation from beloved Scottish captain to a figure facing widespread criticism provides a cautionary tale. His unexpected announcement of retirement before the 2023 Rugby World Cup, citing injury, drew sympathy. However, less than a year later, rumours of a comeback surfaced, initially in amateur rugby, before a swift, official return signing with Montpellier. Suddenly, the injuries that forced his retirement seemed less debilitating. Simultaneously, details regarding his personal life emerged, involving issues with alcohol, accusations of domestic disturbance, and a public arrest. Hogg was required to post bail, potentially impacting his availability for his new club. While legal matters led to a fine and community service rather than prolonged custody, the confluence of his seemingly premature retirement reversal and highly publicised personal troubles significantly eroded the goodwill he once enjoyed with fans.
Johan Goosen
Johan Goosen`s career path is perhaps one of the most peculiar in modern rugby. He initially thrived at Racing 92, winning the Top 14 in 2016 and securing a lucrative new contract. Then, at the age of just 24, he abruptly announced his retirement, citing family unhappiness in Paris and a desire for a more rustic life, taking a job as a commercial director at a stud farm back home in South Africa. Just two years later, the call of professional rugby seemed more appealing than equine commerce; he un-retired, first playing domestically before returning to France with Montpellier, where, miraculously, his family was now perfectly content. Racing 92, understandably aggrieved, threatened legal action, a situation Montpellier smoothed over by paying significant compensation. Goosen later returned to South Africa with the Bulls in 2021. Adding another layer to this bizarre saga, recent rumours suggest he might again be contemplating retirement, leaving many to question the motivation behind his career choices.
Melvyn Jaminet
Melvyn Jaminet`s inclusion on this list stems from a combination of self-inflicted reputational damage and complicated financial affairs. His major misstep occurred following a victory against Argentina in the summer of 2024. While intoxicated, Jaminet posted a video online containing deeply offensive, xenophobic comments. The backlash was immediate and severe, leading to his removal from the French national squad, a lengthy 34-week ban from the sport, and a substantial €30,000 fine. As he navigated the consequences of this incident, further problems emerged regarding unpaid loans totalling €450,000, taken out during his transfer from Perpignan to Toulouse in 2022. This financial entanglement drew in multiple clubs, the French Rugby Federation, and disciplinary committees. While the situation was eventually resolved, these combined incidents solidified Jaminet`s public image as a problematic player.
Owen Farrell
Perhaps the most consistently polarizing figure in contemporary rugby, Owen Farrell frequently divides opinion. While undeniably a highly skilled player, many critics consider him significantly overrated. His recent transfer to Racing 92 further fueled this debate, as the reported figures made him potentially the highest-paid player globally for the season, a valuation many felt was not commensurate with his current form or impact. Reports from teammates have occasionally hinted at a challenging character, contributing to his complex public perception. Most recently, his controversial call-up to the British & Irish Lions squad sparked intense debate and accusations of nepotism, given the squad is coached by his father, Andy Farrell. The decision was particularly scrutinised as Owen was selected despite limited recent game time and still recovering from concussion, leading many experts to argue that numerous other players were significantly more deserving of a spot in the touring party.
The cases of these six players illustrate that in the high-stakes world of professional rugby, scrutiny extends far beyond performance on the field. Discipline, personal conduct, career decisions, and public perception all play a significant role in shaping a player`s legacy and their standing in the eyes of the fans and the wider rugby community. Sometimes, talent alone is not enough to win hearts and minds.
