Do you love rugby but can’t seem to shake the feeling that some players aren’t quite as attractive as others? Well, fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Ugly Rugby Players of All Time.
Get ready to cringe (and maybe even laugh) as we look at some of the most aesthetically challenged players in the game.
Before you get upset or offended, let us clarify that this list is not meant to be mean-spirited or derogatory.
Rugby players are known for their strength, skill, and physicality, and we have nothing but respect for the hard work and dedication it takes to excel in this sport. That said, it’s no secret that not all athletes are blessed with model-worthy looks.
In this list, we’ll be honoring those players who may not be traditionally handsome but have made a significant impact on the rugby world through their talent and achievements.
So, without further ado, let’s get started on the ugliest rugby players of all time.
1. Leo Cullen
| Full Name | Leo Francis Matthew Cullen |
| Date of Birth | 9 January 1978 |
| Age | 44 |
| Height and Weight | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) & 110 kg |
| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
Leo Cullen is a retired Irish rugby player and coach known for his less-than-attractive appearance. Standing at 6’6″, Cullen had a tall, skinny build with a long face and a prominent nose. Despite his less-than-perfect facial features, Cullen was an exceptional player and captain for the Leinster Rugby team.
During his career, Cullen won European Cups, 4 United Rugby Championships, and two United Rugby Championship coaches of the year. He also played for the Irish national team, earning 35 caps and captaining the team on several occasions. In addition to his on-field success, Cullen was highly respected as a leader and was known for his dedication and work ethic.
Even though Leo Cullen may not have been the most attractive rugby player, his talent and leadership abilities made him a valuable asset to any team he played for. He will always be remembered as a formidable player and leader in the rugby world.
2. Steve Borthwick
| Full Name | Stephen William Borthwick |
| Date of Birth | 12 October 1979 |
| Age | 43 |
| Height and Weight | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) & 111 kg |
| Country of Origin | England |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
Steve Borthwick is a retired English rugby player who made a name for himself as a lock forward during his career. Borthwick’s appearance was not precisely conventionally attractive, with a tall, slim build and a prominent nose. He also had a receding hairline and a round, somewhat chubby face.
Borthwick began his professional senior rugby career with Bath Rugby in 2001 and played for the team until 2010. He was also a regular member of the England national team and captained the side from 2008 to 2010. Throughout his career, Borthwick earned numerous accolades and honors.
His looks may have been unappealing, but he will never be forgotten in England.
3. Chris Budgen
| Full Name | Chris Budgen |
| Date of Birth | 21 January 1973 |
| Age | 49 |
| Height and Weight | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) & 130 kg |
| Country of Origin | New Zealand |
| Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
Chris Budgen is a former English rugby union player who made a name for himself despite his less-than-attractive appearance. With a round, plump face and receding hairline, Budgen was often the subject of jokes and ribbing from his teammates and opponents. However, he didn’t let his appearance hold him back and went on to have a successful career in rugby.
Budgen played as a prop for several English clubs, including Northampton Saints and Saracens, and was a regular member of the England national team.
He was known for his solid scrummaging skills and his ability to hold his own in the tighthead position. Despite his less-than-imposing appearance, Budgen was a formidable force on the field and was respected by his teammates and opponents.
Budgen earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including two Premiership titles and a Heineken Cup championship.
He retired from rugby in 2012 but will always be remembered as one of the ugly rugby players who overcame his looks and made a significant impact on the sport.
4. Serge Betsen
| Full Name | Serge Betsen-Tchoua |
| Date of Birth | 25 March 1974 |
| Age | 48 |
| Height and Weight | 1.83 m (6 ft) & 98 kg |
| Country of Origin | Cameroon |
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
Chris Budgen is a former New Zealand rugby union player. He has a rugged appearance and an intimidating presence on the field. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing over 286 pounds, Budgen’s physical build is imposing, with broad shoulders and a thick neck.
His face is characterized by a square jaw, deep-set eyes, and a prominent nose, all of which contribute to his rough and rugged appearance.
Budgen played for several top-tier clubs throughout his career, including Bridgend RFC, Exeter Chiefs, and Northampton Saints.
Despite his intimidating appearance, Budgen was known for his aggressive play style and unrelenting pursuit of victory.
5. John Hopoate
| Full Name | John Hopoate |
| Date of Birth | 16 January 1974 |
| Age | 48 |
| Height and Weight | 182 m (6 ft) & 104 kg |
| Country of Origin | Tonga |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
John Hopoate is a former professional rugby league player and boxer from the Polynesian country Tonga. He played as a winger and was known for his physical style of play. Hopoate was violent, sometimes on-field behavior, and he had a reputation as a dirty player.
Hopoate was a towering figure, standing at 6′ and weighing over 225 pounds. He had a muscular, stocky build, broad shoulders, and thick legs. His face was rough and rugged, with a thick beard and deep-set eyes. His nose is slightly crooked, likely due to the numerous fights and injuries he sustained during his career.
He played for several clubs in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL), including the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, the Northern Eagles, and the Wests Tigers.
Hopoate retired from professional rugby league in 2005 but has continued to be involved in the sport as a coach and commentator.
6. Martin Johnson
| Full Name | Martin Osborne Johnson |
| Date of Birth | 9 March 1970 |
| Age | 52 |
| Height and Weight | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) & 119 kg |
| Country of Origin | England |
| Net Worth | $15 Million |
Martin Johnson is a former English rugby union player. He is best known for his time as captain of the England national team. He was named team captain in 1999 and led England to their first Five Nations title in five years. He also played a vital role in the team’s success at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the final before losing to Australia.
Martin Johnson was a towering figure on the rugby field, standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing in at a hefty 260 pounds. Despite his imposing physical presence, he was not a particularly attractive man. His face was rugged and chiseled, with a prominent nose and deep-set eyes. He had a thick beard and a head of unruly hair that was often disheveled and covered in sweat.
Johnson retired from professional rugby in 2005, but his legacy as one of England’s greatest-ever captains lives on. He was inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame in 2015 and is remembered as a fierce competitor and a leader who inspired his teammates to greatness.
7. Phil Waugh
| Full Name | Phillip Waugh |
| Date of Birth | 22 September 1979 |
| Age | 43 |
| Height and Weight | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) & 110 kg |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Net Worth | $6 Million |
He is a former professional rugby player who played for the Australian national team, the Wallabies, and the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby. He played in the back row, primarily as a flanker, and was known for his tireless work ethic and physical play.
Standing at 5’11” and weighing in at around 220 pounds, Waugh was formidable in the back row. With a thick beard and rugged facial features, he looked like a man who had spent years battling it out in the trenches.
Phil Waugh may not have been the most conventionally handsome player on the rugby field, but his rough and rugged appearance only added to his brutal and physical playing style.
8. Huw Bennett
| Full Name | Huw Bennett |
| Date of Birth | 11 June 1983 |
| Age | 39 |
| Height and Weight | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) & 105 kg |
| Country of Origin | Wales |
| Net Worth | $7 Million |
Huw Bennett is a retired Welsh rugby player. He had a successful career both domestically and internationally. He made his debut for the Welsh national team in 2002, earning 70 caps for his country. Bennett also played for some Welsh club teams, including the Ospreys, where he helped lead the team to three Welsh regional titles.
His rough and rugged appearance only added to his strict and physical playing style. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 220 pounds, Bennett was formidable in the front row. He also has a thick beard and rugged facial features.
9. Nevin Spence
| Full Name | Nevin Spence |
| Date of Birth | 26 April 1990 |
| Age | 22 |
| Date of death | 15 September 2012 |
| Height and Weight | 1.83 m (6 ft) & 95 kg |
| Country of Origin | Northern Ireland |
| Net Worth | $2 Million |
Nevin Spence was a young Irish professional rugby player. He was known for his death with his family members. He began playing for Ulster Rugby in the Pro12 league and quickly became one of the team’s most important players.
Nevin Spence was a physically imposing athlete, standing at 6′ and weighing over 200 pounds. He had a strong, muscular build and was known for his impressive strength and endurance on the rugby pitch.
With his impressive strength, Spence was a dominant force on the field and was known for his powerful runs and tackles.
Tragically, Spence’s promising career was cut short when he died in a farming accident in September 2012. He was just 22 years old at the time of his death, and the rugby community deeply mourned his loss.
10. Steve Thompson
| Full Name | Steve Thompson |
| Date of Birth | 15 July 1978 |
| Age | 44 |
| Height and Weight | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) & 118 kg |
| Country of Origin | England |
| Net Worth | 15.7 Million |
Steve Thompson represented England in international rugby competitions. He played as a hooker for various clubs, including the Northampton Saints and Leeds Carnegie.
Thompson had a broad, square jawline and a thick neck, which gave him a rugged and intimidating appearance. His facial features were rough and chiseled, and his nose had been broken several times during his career, giving it a slightly deceptive appearance.
Throughout his career, Thompson faced numerous injuries, including several concussions that eventually forced him to retire in 2014. He remained active in rugby after retiring, serving as a coach and mentor to young players.
Thompson is remembered as one of England’s successful and respected rugby players.
Final Worlds
These ugly-looking Rugby players may not be the most attractive athletes on the field, but they have certainly made their mark in the sport of rugby. From their rugged and rough appearances to their tough and physical playing styles, these top 10 ugly rugby players have proven time and time again that looks aren’t everything. These players have made their mark in rugby and will always be remembered for their skills and accomplishments on the field.
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