5. Dylan Hartley – England
Dylan Hartley is arguably one of the most penalised players in rugby history. His career includes bans for eye gouging, biting, and referee abuse, making him one of the most controversial names on any dirtiest rugby players list.
4. Tomás Lavanini – Argentina
Tomás Lavanini holds the record for the most red cards in international rugby (three). His dangerous tackles and repeat offences cement his place as one of rugby’s most infamous players.
3. Richard Loe – New Zealand
Richard Loe is a legendary lock with a reputation for dirty play. Off‑ball incidents and aggressive intimidation made him a feared opponent and a notorious figure in rugby history.
2. Eben Etzebeth – South Africa
Etzebeth is one of rugby’s most feared locks. Renowned for his physical dominance, bone‑crunching tackles, and aggressive play in off‑ball scrums, he has built a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in modern rugby. His career has been marked by several controversial moments, most notably a red card for an eye gouge against Wales, underscoring the intensity — and sometimes dangerous edge — of his style.
1. Bakkies Botha – South Africa
Nicknamed The Enforcer, Bakkies Botha is arguably the dirtiest rugby player of all time. His career was defined by brutal tackles, off‑ball incidents, and a willingness to push the boundaries of fair play. Botha’s intimidating style earned him respect — and fear — across world rugby.
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