LIST: The five worst things that can happen on a rugby pitch

Even in my day, racist abuse was fairly rare. But some of my black teammates would occasionally get a mouthful from one or two known offenders. It caused a stir then and, thankfully, an even bigger one now.

Going in hard is one thing but malicious tip tackling goes totally against the grain. As a rugby player, you are not expected to risk careers in such a cavalier fashion.

When it comes to breaking the professional code, spitting remains very high on the list, mainly because it is so disgusting. Still more common abroad than here, it understandably riles players more than nearly everything else.

A terrible example for children watching the game while at the same time being a child-like act. 

Disgraceful. Out-of-order. Not in keeping with the values of rugby. This is not soccer.