Rugby has always thrived on rivalries, but no nation attracts stronger feelings than England.
Need proof? Several of the songs and anthems sung by England’s fiercest sporting rivals contain references to battles against English armies or resistance to English rule.
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From Scotland’s famous anthem recalling victory at Bannockburn to generations of Celtic supporters celebrating historic triumphs over their larger neighbour, there is often one thing rival fans can agree on: they love seeing England lose.
Whether it is success, history, media attention or sheer sporting rivalry, some countries are far easier to dislike than others. Here are rugby’s five biggest villains.
5. France
French rugby has always divided opinion. Their clubs have enormous financial power, their teams can be brilliantly unpredictable, and controversies are never far away.
While many neutrals love watching France play, plenty of rival supporters enjoy seeing Les Bleus come unstuck.
