"Doesn't belong in rugby" - Fans Rank Rugby's Top 5 Pantomime Villains

With Owen Farrell returning to the England XV this weekend, who are rugbyl's greatest "pantomime villains" in world rugby.

Though it's a relatively subjective term when applied to rugby players, in this context, we use it to identify big names who, despite their undoubted quality, have earned a reputation—rightly or wrongly—as something of a villain.

Read on to find out which players fit the bill—if you dare.

Biggar is the epitome of players you hate until they are on your team.

The way the fly-half continues to moan to referees vociferously has seemingly only got worse throughout his career.

It got so bad that popular online personality and diehard Scotland fan Glove39 made a video called ‘birdman’ mocking the way in which he always raises his arms in frustration to officials.

A flanker that plays on the edge and never fails to get under the skin of opposition fans. His late hit on Stuart Hogg and foul-mouthed war of words with the Kyle Sinckler during the 2019 Six Nations did him no favours. The sort of player you love to have, but also love to hate.

In his own words, the fullback is a 'marmite player' with fans either loving or hating him. A skinhead who enjoys confrontation was not the traditional mould for an England No15.

The world Cup-winning lock is undoubtedly world-class, but he is also one of the dirtiest players in the sport. If your team has played against him, you will not be a fan. A proper sh**house, but huge biceps.

Could it be anybody else to start? Farrell fits the label “our guy” better than most, meaning you love to hate him unless he’s in your squad. Then you’d go to the end’s of the earth to defend him.

The England captain, also known as 'Shoulder boy' for his high tackling, does himself no favours with his poor tackling technique.

Although he's currently serving a two-match ban, the fact he often seems to get away with it doesn't help either.

The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford

His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight

He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford

It’s well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it’s less commonly know that his uncle Sean O’Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009

He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.