{"id":326985,"date":"2025-08-08T04:35:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T04:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/326985\/"},"modified":"2025-08-08T04:35:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T04:35:09","slug":"earned-ex-england-forward-receives-shock-ireland-call-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/326985\/","title":{"rendered":"“Earned” – Ex-England forward receives shock Ireland call-up"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has backed Ellena Perry\u2019s inclusion in his matchday squad for this weekend\u2019s final World Cup warm-up, insisting the former England international has \u201cmore than earned\u201d her shot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 28-year-old prop, who last featured for England in 2020, is eligible for Ireland through her maternal grandfather and will make her debut from the bench against Canada following a three-year stand-down period under World Rugby rules.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s hit the ground running,\u201d Bemand said of the Gloucester-Hartpury forward, who lines up at club level alongside Ireland stars Neve Jones and Sam Monaghan. \u201cSo she\u2019s more than earned her place in and around the area, in and around the group.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perry\u2019s selection follows the impressive debut of centre Nancy McGillivray, a former England transition contract player who crossed the whitewash against Scotland last week.<\/p>\n

Bemand added that Perry\u2019s integration into the Irish setup has been a smooth one.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s known to some of the players anyway, so in terms of the fit, there\u2019s been quite a seamless transition.\u201d<\/p>\n

EDITORS PICKS<\/p>\n

Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial \u2018Most Hated\u2019 Rugby List<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn\u2019t mean every player is a fan favourite. <\/strong><\/p>\n

In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition \u2014 whether it\u2019s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being\u00a0toodamn good.<\/p>\n

With old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut \u2014 with one\u00a0storming\u00a0to the top of the list.<\/p>\n

A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters\u00a0love\u00a0to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you<\/p>\n

#6.\u00a0Eben Etzebeth (South Africa\/Sharks)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Position:<\/strong>\u00a0Lock
Caps:<\/strong>\u00a0131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours:<\/strong>\u00a0\ud83c\udfc6 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)<\/p>\n

A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.<\/p>\n

That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality \u2014 just as long as he\u2019s not slamming your favourite player into next week.<\/p>\n

RUCK Verdict:<\/strong>
\u201cOne of the game\u2019s last true hard men \u2014 and one of the most divisive.\u201d<\/p>\n

#5.\u00a0Owen Farrell (England\/Racing 92)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Position:<\/strong>\u00a0Fly-Half\/Centre
Caps:<\/strong>\u00a0112
Major Honours:<\/strong>\u00a0\ud83c\udfc9 England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours<\/p>\n

Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don\u2019t be fooled \u2014 his infamous \u201cshoulder-first\u201d tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.<\/p>\n

Farrell\u2019s critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It\u2019s sad his world-class talent isn\u2019t recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.<\/p>\n

RUCK Verdict:<\/strong>
\u201cStill England\u2019s pantomime villain \u2014 unless he\u2019s your guy. Then he walks on water.\u201d<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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