5 Best Rugby Player TV Appearances — As Joe Marler stars on Celebrity Traitors

not only honors her father's legacy but also serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that determination and passion can break barriers.

After hanging up his boots in November 2024, former England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler is already back on our screens. The iconic loose-head has swapped the ruck for reality TV, as he joins the inaugural cast of Celebrity Traitors on BBC One.

Known for his sharp humour and unpredictable energy, Marler looks tailor-made for the psychological game show, and joins a stellar cast alongside comedian Alan Carr, chat show legend Jonathan Ross and singer Paloma Faith.

However, Marler is not the first rugby star to trade tackles for TV shows, as we've compiled a list of the former rugby stars that made cameo appearences upon some of the best known prime-time viewings. From the glittering dance floors to grueling Australian jungle challenges, here are five of the best rugby player appearances on television — proving that players can entertain just as well off the field as on it.

When James Haskell entered the I’m a Celebrity jungle in 2019, he brought with him the same physicality and competitiveness that made him a standout flanker. Once in camp, he quickly took on leadership roles — notably he was voted camp leader in one of the early jungle elections, with fellow celebrity Jacqueline Jossa as his deputy. He had to adapt to severe food shortages (dropping from an intake of thousands of calories per day to barely hundreds), extreme weather, sleep deprivation, and gruelling trials.

In terms of his day-to-day interactions, his campmates included the likes of TV personality Caitlyn Jenner, Radio DJ Roman Kemp, broadcaster Kate Garraway, singer Nadine Coyle, actor Andy Whyment, and reality TV presenter Adele Roberts.

One notable trial involved him doing the Bushtucker Trial in someone else’s stead—he stepped in for Cliff Parisi during a “Sickening Circus” challenge, in which he had to drink revolting concoctions involving blended fish eyes in a brutal showing of an iron stomach.

Haskell lasted 18 days in the jungle before being voted off. His exit came after a vote-off where he lost to Ian Wright. Despite not winning, his contribution was memorable: he was outspoken and clashed over fairness and tasks, yet he also showed both vulnerability (panic attacks, physical toll) and strength.

Gareth Thomas, the celebrated Welsh rugby legend, took on the ice in Series 8 of Dancing on Ice in 2013. His professional partner was Robin Johnstone. The transition from rugby boots to skate blades was more than just physical: he had to learn precision, balance, and the kind of gracefulness uncommon in a sport dominated by contact. In early weeks, he admitted to finding ballet classes especially tough, noting how little time in rugby had demanded “grace” in that way.

Despite the challenges, Thomas impressed with his commitment and adaptability. He often spoke publicly about how nervous he was, especially during lifts and spins with his partner, given that ice is much less forgiving than turf. His highest scoring week was a 34.5 total, showing that judges appreciated his improvement.

He placed 4th in the competition before having to withdraw. Throughout his time on the show, Thomas was respectful, humorous, and open about how stepping outside his comfort zone both scared him and helped him grow. The performance element — music, choreography, costumes — contrasted dramatically with the physical toil and competitiveness of rugby, making his journey one of the more compelling crossovers from sport to entertainment.

Ben Foden, former England fullback, entered Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (for Stand Up to Cancer UK) in 2019, joining a celebrity cast that included Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, former England women's rugby player Heather Fisher (honourable mention), ex-England and Chelsea footballer Wayne Bridge, TV personality Sam Thompson, Love Island star Camilla Thurlow and TV presenter Jeff Brazier among others.

The setting was in the Andes Mountains in Chile, where the recruits underwent military-style training, psychological stress tests, cold, altitude, exhaustion, and tough endurance-based tasks. He was among those who voluntarily withdrew before the show concluded, which showcased the extremity of an SAS training course.

Foden’s performance in Celebrity SAS showed his competitive instincts, but also revealed a more vulnerable side: the fatigue, group dynamics, and mental strain played a large part. Nevertheless, his time on the show earned him respect, for not just enduring the physical tests but for bringing personality, humour, and integrity to a show many celebrities struggle in under pressure.

Ugo Monye, former England winger and now a popular rugby pundit, took to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom in Series 19 (2021). His professional dance partner was Oti Mabuse, a two-time winner of Strictly.

From the start, Monye made a strong impression. His first live-show performance was a samba, which he dedicated to his late father, whose funeral had been that same morning. The emotional weight of that moment, coupled with the difficulty of the dance itself, revealed Monye’s depth and commitment.

Throughout the series, he demonstrated versatility: he performed a samba, a couple’s choice to You’re Welcome from Moana (chosen because of his daughters), and managed routines that required lifts, coordinated choreography, and high energy.

Although he suffered a back injury along the way, which led to low scoring and some pressure in the judges’ seats, Monye continued to push. His performances were consistently praised for character, joy, and showmanship even if technically he never topped the leaderboard. He was ultimately voted out partway through, but left a lasting impression — not because he dazzled in every routine, but because he danced with heart, humor, and real emotion.

Jodie Ounsley, known by her Gladiators stage name Fury, made history as the first deaf female Gladiator in the show's rebooted series. Born profoundly deaf, she became the first deaf female rugby player to represent England at the senior level in 2019. Her athletic prowess extends beyond rugby; she is also a former British Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion and a five-time World Coal Carrying champion.

Ounsley's journey to Gladiators is deeply personal. Her father, Phil Ounsley, was a contender on the original 2008 series, inspiring her to pursue the same path. She even practiced the Gladiators events in her living room as a child, emulating her father's feats.

Ounsley began her rugby journey with Loughborough Lightning in 2018, before moving to Sale Sharks Women in 2020. In 2022, she joined Exeter Chiefs Women, where she played as a winger. Notably, she wore a scrum cap to protect her cochlear implant during matches. In 2019, Ounsley made history by becoming the first deaf female rugby player to earn a senior England cap, also marking her as the world's first deaf female rugby sevens international. She debuted in the World Sevens Series in Glendale, Colorado, and scored her first try in Cape Town, South Africa.

Ounsley's rugby career was cut short due to a shoulder injury sustained during the 2023–24 Allianz Cup season, leading to her early retirement at the age of 23. In the 2024 series, Ounsley has showcased her strength and competitive spirit in various events. In one notable appearance, she participated in the Gauntlet round, collaborating with fellow Gladiators to challenge the contenders.

Beyond her Gladiators role, Ounsley has expanded her media presence. She served as a roving reporter for Channel 4's coverage of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, marking her first mainstream presenting role. Ounsley's participation in Gladiators