The Six Nations Championship is facing a growing challenge beyond the pitch: a surge in online abuse directed at its players. The issue, described as a “disgrace” by former Scotland international Jim Hamilton, is prompting calls for action from players, coaches, and governing bodies alike.
Hamilton’s comments come in the wake of a particularly troubling fortnight in the tournament, marked by racist abuse targeting Ireland debutant Edwin Edogbo, as well as criticism leveled at fly-halves Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley. England players also faced online attacks following their defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield. The Irish Rugby Football Union responded by disabling comments on a post celebrating Edogbo’s debut after the abuse surfaced.
“fathom the mentality of those who go after players online, due to the colour of their skin or the result of a sporting contest,” Hamilton stated, reflecting a widespread sense of dismay within the rugby community. He emphasized, however, that the problem extends far beyond the sport itself. “This isn’t a rugby issue, it’s a social problem,” he asserted. “Rugby prides itself on values on the field. We can’t control the chaos that’s going off the field in society.”
The condemnation isn’t limited to Hamilton. Ireland head coach Andy Farrell publicly called out the trolls, and England’s Ellis Genge expressed his frustration with social media, stating, “I f***ing hate social media. It poisons people’s minds, makes them feel invincible.”
The abuse directed at Edogbo, a Cork-born player of Nigerian descent, is particularly concerning. Hamilton acknowledged that while disheartening, it wasn’t entirely surprising. “Am I surprised to see the comments taken off Edwin Edogbo? No. No, I’m not. They are a disgrace. But that is a snapshot, not of rugby, but of the society we find ourselves in.”
Hamilton also addressed the criticism aimed at Ireland’s young playmakers, Prendergast and Crowley, highlighting the unfair pressure they face. He pointed out that blaming the halfbacks when the forward pack is struggling is “so harsh.” He expressed concern for Prendergast in particular, noting the scrutiny placed on young players in such a high-profile position, especially in a nation with a rich history of celebrated fly-halves.
“I just don’t get how you’ve got a young 10 coming through who is a wicked talent, yet your own fans start trying to bring him down,” Hamilton said. “If I were him, I don’t know how I’d deal with it. I would struggle. I just hope they’ve got people that can pull him away from the social aspect of social media and everything that’s going on in that.”
The issue mirrors similar problems in other sports, most recently highlighted by an incident involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who accused a Benfica player of racist abuse. This underscores the broader societal problem that Hamilton identifies, where the anonymity of the internet emboldens individuals to engage in harmful behavior.
Hamilton recognizes the benefits of social media – its ability to raise the profile of the game, reach new audiences, and provide instant reactions – but acknowledges its darker side. “It can also be a cesspit. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone thinks they know this and they know that and what’s good and what’s bad and what have you.”
As rugby’s reach expands, Hamilton believes, the potential for abuse will likely increase. “As the game of rugby grows, it’s being watched by more people. That is to be welcomed, but with the good, as we’ve seen in other sports, comes the bad.” The challenge for rugby, and for sport as a whole, is to harness the power of social media while mitigating its harmful effects and protecting its athletes from online abuse.
Hamilton is part of the Premier Sports team covering the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Rugby Championship, broadcasting live matches throughout the 2026 tournament. He will be at the Principality Stadium this Saturday for Wales v Scotland.
