"Totally unacceptable" - Peter O'Mahony brutally 'eye-gouged' by two players

Sunday, 16 April 2023 at 19:25

byRugby Rucker

In a heated rugby match between the Stormers and Munster, two players from the Stormers team initiated a brawl that quickly escalated, drawing in players from both teams who tried to intervene and voice their opinions on the matter.

The altercation intensified when Peter O'Mahony of tMunster engaged with Frans Malherbe of the Stormers, prompting Stormers' lock Marvin Orie, to rush over and once again place his hands on O'Mahony's face.

After the commotion settled down, O'Mahony brought the incident to the attention of referee Craig Evans, informing him that his face and eyes had been touched by Orie on two separate occasions.

Evans then instructed both teams to return to their halves and reviewed the video footage of the incident.

Despite not finding clear evidence of gouging or eye-poking, Evans deemed Orie's actions of putting hands in the face of an opponent as unacceptable, and accordingly reversed the Stormers' penalty.

Blatant eye-gouge?

“Birdman” – Dan Biggar voted the ‘biggest cheat’ in rugby union today

Fans have been busy ranking who they believe are the dirtiest players in the game today. Some players have earned their spot due to their widespread unpopularity, while others have been named and shamed for their thuggish actions on the field.

#5. Owen Farrell (England)

Could anyone else be a better fit to start? Farrell embodies the persona of "our guy" like no other, someone you love to hate when he's on the opposing team but would defend fiercely if he's on your squad.

As the England captain, he's also earned the nickname "Shoulder boy" for his aggressive tackling, but his poor tackling technique does him no favors.

Despite currently serving a two-match ban, the perception that he often escapes consequences for his actions doesn't help his reputation either.

Owen Farrell facts:

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.

#4. Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)

A flanker who thrives on pushing the boundaries and never fails to rile up opposition fans.

His late hit on Stuart Hogg and foul-mouthed exchanges with Kyle Sinckler during the 2019 Six Nations did him no favors.

He's the kind of player you'd love to have on your team for his tenacity, but also love to hate for his antics.

#3. Nic White (Australia)

White has become arguably the most unpopular player in world rugby over the past 12 months..

Last year, White fell about like a lion had attempted to rip off his face after Faf de Klerk accidentally made contact with it while attempting to dislodge the ball out of his hands as he attempted a pass.

After consulting with the television match official, referee Paul Williams adjudicated that this warranted a yellow card for de Klerk.

This decision sent the world of rugby into meltdown, with criticism coming from all quarters aimed at White for bringing the game into disrepute.

#2. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

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.

#1. Dan Biggar (Wales)

Biggar is the quintessential player that you love to hate until he's on your team.

Throughout his career, the fly-half has gained a reputation for vehemently complaining to referees, and it seems to have only worsened over time.

In fact, it got so bad that even popular online personality and devoted Scotland fan Glove39 made a video titled 'birdman', mocking Biggar's habit of constantly raising his arms in frustration at officials.