Most of the time, nicknames in sport are pretty unimaginative and formulaic—Johnno, Faz and Sincks didn’t take an awful lot of thought.
For this reason, we must celebrate the instances when nicknames are creative, funny or downright bizarre.
Using the highly empirical ranking system of which make me chuckle the most, here are the 30 best nicknames in world rugby. I’m sure to have missed out a few, so leave your suggestions in the comments…
#30. Lewis Moody – Mad Dog
A nickname that perfectly summed up its recipient’s approach to the game.
#29. David Pocock – Bam Bam
Pocock was regarded as one of the top physical specimens in the game, earning this Flintstones-related nickname.
#28. Jerry Collins – The Terminator
The Terminator: “I’ll be back” wasn’t something you wanted to hear from Jerry Collins once he’d tackled you, because once was enough for anyone. The All Black flanker terminated so many attacks in his time.
#27. Austin Healey – Leicester Lip
It’s his outspoken nature and often controversial comments that has seen former Tigers favourite Austin Healy so dubbed. He’s become someone who has particularly raised the hackles of Welsh fans.
#26. Martin Johnson – Ferengi
Not the most flattering of nicknames. It was England captains furrowed brow frown that saw the England and Lions skipper likened to the extraterrestrial race from the Star Trek universe.
#25. Liam Williams – Sanjay
It was while he was on holiday in Greece as a small boy that another British family reckoned the Saracens-bound star looked like Sanjay Kapoor, the former market trader from Eastenders! The name stuck.
#24. Jason Robinson – Billy Whizz
Robinson is nicknamed ‘Billy Whizz’ after a character in the British comic The Beano, who is an extremely fast runner. Seems a good choice!
#23. Robbie Henshaw – One man band
His musical and sporting versatility have earned him the nickname “One Man Band” and “Old Man Bob Henshaw” amongst his teammates. His family has a lot of musical talent, with Henshaw himself playing the accordion, fiddle, guitar and piano.
#22. Elliot Daly – Briefcase
The England star got his nickname after turned up at his first Wasps training session in his Whitgift school uniform and carrying you know what!
#21. Jonathan Davies – Fox
With his parents having run the Fox & Hounds pub in Bancyfelin, Wales centre Jonathan Davies was destined to be known as Fox. Inevitably, his younger brother James is the Cub!