Tadgh McElroy (Image: Getty)
Tadgh McElroy, a hooker with no Test caps, a retired winger, and a journeyman fly-half is somehow among the highest-rated players in Rugby 25, surpassing proven international superstars.
The launch of the game has been hit with widespread criticism after bizarre player ratings surfaced, ranking an untested Sale Sharks player among the world’s best. Fans were left scratching their heads when McElroy, who has never played Test rugby, received a 90 rating – just one point behind the game’s top player, Antoine Dupont.
Even more baffling was the inclusion of Tim Swiel, a 31-year-old fly-half with a well-travelled club career, at the same level.
The Sharks’ social media team wasted no time poking fun at the situation, posting on : “If you know, you know. Watch out, Dupont.” McElroy took it in stride, joking with the club over WhatsApp: “It’s actually really funny. I’ve been sent this loads of times now. Getting a bit of banter from the lads, but I’ll take the rating for sure.”
Adding to the controversy, Anthony Watson – who recently announced his retirement from professional rugby—also received a 90 rating. The inclusion of a player no longer active in the sport only fueled further criticism of Rugby 25’s credibility.
Big Ant Studios, the Australian developers behind the game, addressed the rating inconsistencies just a day after launch. CEO Ross Symons took to X to acknowledge the issue.
“We’ve had some issues with ratings around save files (specifically for those on PC who were part of Early Access),” he said. “We’ll have these sorted through a downloadable update.” A patch was released shortly after, though it remains unclear if all discrepancies have been resolved.
Despite featuring over 150 clubs from 11 top-level leagues, including the Gallagher Premiership, United Rugby Championship, and Top 14, Rugby 25 has struggled beyond its visuals. While its graphics have received praise, the gameplay mechanics have been widely criticised.
Players have reported clunky controls, awkward animations, and a general lack of fluidity. The backlash has been evident on Big Ant Studios’ forums, where one frustrated user titled their post: “Refund advice please.”
Early indications suggest that Rugby 25 won’t dethrone Jonah Lomu Rugby (1997) or Rugby 08 as the greatest rugby video game of all time. With odd player ratings and underwhelming gameplay, the latest entry in the franchise appears to have fallen short of expectations for rugby gamers.