Rugby, a sport known for its physicality and toughness, has seen its fair share of hard-hitting, fearless players throughout its professional era.
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From bone-crushing tackles to unyielding aggression on the field, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Here are the top five toughest rugby players of the professional era:
#5. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Etzebeth epitomizes the term tough guy on the rugby field. Known for his uncompromising physicality, Etzebeth never hesitated to confront opponents, referees, or anyone who dared to stand in his way.
Drawing inspiration from his predecessor, Bakkies Botha, Etzebeth earned a reputation as a formidable enforcer in the Springboks' pack.
Eben Etzebeth of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Martin Johnson (England)
Johnson, the towering figure of English rugby, possessed a blend of skill and ferocity that made him a formidable opponent.
As the only English captain to lift the Rugby World Cup, Johnson's leadership was matched only by his willingness to get stuck into the physical battles on the field.
His confrontational style often landed him in the sin-bin, but it also earned him respect as one of the toughest locks of his generation.
#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
Botha was the epitome of a hard man in rugby. In an era where physicality was king, Botha stood out as the Springboks' enforcer for over a decade.
Unafraid to impose himself on the opposition, Botha's bone-crunching tackles and relentless aggression made him a nightmare for opposing teams.
Whether it was dominating the Lions in brutal Test matches or asserting his authority in the tight exchanges, Botha's toughness was unquestionable.
#2. Jerry Collins (New Zealand)
Collins was a force of nature on the rugby field. Known for his ferocious tackling and uncompromising approach to the game, Collins struck fear into the hearts of his opponents.
His infamous hit on Colin Charvis, which left the Welshman knocked out cold, is just one example of Collins' no-holds-barred style of play.
With his raw power and relentless physicality, Collins established himself as one of the toughest players to ever grace the field.
#1. Brian Lima (Samoa)
Lima, known as "the Chiropractor," earns the top spot on this list for his bone-crushing hits and fearless attitude.
In the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Lima delivered one of the most memorable tackles in the sport's history, leveling South Africa's Derick Hougaard with a hit that reverberated across the rugby world.
Lima's unyielding physicality and fearless approach to the game make him a true legend of the sport and the ultimate tough guy of the professional era.
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