Australian sports enthusiasts have expressed strong dissatisfaction with ESPN after the U.S. broadcaster excluded rugby league, Australian Rules Football (AFL), and rugby union from its list of the world's 'hardest sports'. The list, which ranked boxing, ice hockey, American football, basketball, and wrestling in its top five, drew sharp criticism from fans who consider the omitted Australian sports to be among the most demanding.
Social media reactions highlighted the perceived oversight, with many questioning ESPN's understanding of global sports. "Ever heard of Rugby League?" one user commented on Facebook, while another suggested, "Tell me you have never left the US without telling me." Fans argued that rugby league is more challenging than the sports included on the list. Similar sentiments were voiced regarding AFL, with one fan stating, "No other field sport do players travel the distance AFL players do," and another calling it "the most gruelling and most athletic."
The ESPN list also failed to include motorsports, despite the inherent risks involved in those disciplines.
Despite the criticism, some prominent figures acknowledge the difficulty of rugby. Hollywood actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who has personal experience with rugby from his time in New Zealand, has spoken about its toughness. In 2012, Johnson stated, "there is no tougher sport than rugby." He challenged the notion that American football is harder by suggesting players remove all protective gear and attempt to play, implying rugby's physical demands would quickly prove superior. Johnson has also shown support for rugby league, featuring in a promotional video for the State of Origin series and backing the Samoan team in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
