“Grossly Overrated Showpony!” – Fans Rank The 5 'Most Overhyped' Rugby Players

In the world of rugby debates, the labels ‘overrated’ and ‘underrated’ are about as loaded as they come because the conversation is instantly about more than just their ability on the pitch.

Due to the simple fact that both those tags are related to how much fans sing their praises, it’s sometimes inevitable that great players are called overrated and average ones are underrated.

So, yes, we’re well aware that taking a peek at the ‘most overhyped rugby players in history’ is a little like walking into a minefield of controversy, but when has that ever stopped us?

Below, we take a look at the five players who came up most on a reddit thread of supporters discussing the most overhyped players.

One fan wrote: "He had a few good years between 2011-2013 and then he has died down. Hasn't looked good as the commentary teams make him out to be."

Another added: "A Welshman here, but it’s George North"

A third commented: "is the most overrated player of this generation, when was the last time he had a good game that wasn’t against Italy."

One fan wrote: "Compared to standard players, the fly-half is more than decent. But, we're talking about being overrated, and Cipriani has been constantly touted by the media as the next big thing and he definitely never lived up to that mantle.

Another said: "Flashes of genuine brilliance, particularly with his boot, interspersed with a lot of unneeded errors."

A third commented: "Wasted talent absolutely, but never did enough to be considered on the level some people think he's at."

One supporter wrote: "The French forward is a player who jumps to mind."

Another said: "His appearance was half his reputation. Whenever he was given the appropriate attention he folded."

A third commented: "Talented athlete who put in the odd big tackle but when push came to shove he always seemed to wilt away from the physical side of the game."

One fan wrote: "Youngs is dreadful, he's a poor decision maker, impatient, not an accurate passer and he crumbles under pressure or in any match where his pack isn't dominating the opposition."

Another said: "Ben Youngs is the most overrated English scrum half ever and isn’t in the top 4 scrum half’s in England let alone the world."

A third commented: "Ben Youngs constantly proves to be our most overrated player"

One said: "Going to be controversial but Sergio Parisse. Sure he had fantastic skills but he was a show pony and not a work horse and people often overlooked this. He looked fantastic for Italy but that was because he was allowed to do all the flashy stuff but was mediocre in other areas."

Another commented: "I think Parisse got a lot of credit just for being a leader and a quality player in a poor Italy side and was never rated by anyone as anywhere near world class"

A third said: "Consistently made world xv teams on scant evidence."

"Never has a cliche ever fit a player more than overrated show pony for Sergio Parisse," commented a fourth