5 times rugby players deliberately tried to injure an opponent

However, like in any competitive sport, there have been instances where players have engaged in unsportsmanlike behavior and intentionally targeted opponents with the intent to injure them.

Such incidents are rare and generally condemned by the rugby community, officials, and governing bodies.

Rugby has strict disciplinary measures in place to deal with foul play, and players found guilty of intentionally injuring others can face significant suspensions, fines, and other penalties.

The focus in rugby is on skill, strategy, and teamwork rather than inflicting harm on opponents.

This one still makes me wince. Northampton flanker Clark was found guilty of intentionally hyper-extending and breaking the arm of Leicester hooker Rob Hawkins during the 2012 LV cup final. The ban was initially for 64 weeks, but was halved due to his guilty plea.

The Springbok lock certainly totted up the bans. Eight weeks for “attacking the face” of Aussie hooker Brendan Cannon in 2003; three weeks for striking another Wallaby, Phil Waugh, in 2009; two matches for an illegal clear out on Adam Jones in the second Lions Test in the same year; four weeks for a similar offence on Gio Aplon in 2010; and nine weeks for a headbutt on Jimmy Cowan in 2010. Unarguably one of the dirtiest rugby players ever.

Following a heated Heineken Cup match at Ravenhill in December 2009, Stade Français prop Attoub faced a ban for his involvement in an unsavory incident. During the game, Attoub was accused of gouging the eye of Ulster player Stephen Ferris. Ferris, in his testimony during the hearing, described the contact as forceful, excruciatingly painful, and explained that it involved Attoub driving his finger into his eye socket. Ferris expressed his inability to prevent the incident, emphasizing the severity of the action. The incident left a lasting impact and caused significant discomfort to Ferris.

Footage of Argentine prop Cipriano Martinez violently kicking an opponent in the head during an amateur club match shocked the rugby world in April 2016.

His club, Pucara, acted swiftly following the assault on grounded San Albano lock Juan Masi, banning Martinez for 99 years. Then came the official sanction from the Buenos Aires Rugby Union. They suspended him 1,508 weeks, which is equivalent to 29 years.

During a match between London Scots and Bath in January 1998, the flanker Simon Fenn from London Scots suffered a severe injury. After a collapsed scrum, Fenn emerged with blood streaming from his ear, requiring 25 stitches. Investigation revealed that someone had bitten his ear, and Bath prop Yates was identified as the responsible party. Despite Yates protesting his innocence, he was ultimately found guilty and faced a six-month ban as a consequence of his actions.