WHEN LEICESTER TIGERS’ Neil Back reached out from a scrum and nicked the ball off Peter Stringer in the Heineken Cup Final he outraged a province and won the grudging respect of the rugby world.

The English forward went against the spirit of the game but, ultimately, his team won and Back accepted the hugs, congratulations andchampions’ champagne after the final whistle. Here are 12 other sports stars that have bent the rules to their advantage:

Sergio Busquets has a peep (2010)

YouTube credit: szahmed24

British & Irish Lions’ conversion block (2001)

This move was subsequently banned but, at the time, was within the rules of the game.

YouTube: LasGarzas11

Fabien Barthez calls ‘offside’ (2001)

Good idea, in theory, but, with his side level at 0-0 against West Ham in the FA Cup, probably not the best time to try it.

YouTube credit: nocturnalme67

Stick ‘Em Gate in the NFL (2012)

Banned in the NFL, this adhesive often leads to amazing and science-defying catches in High School and College Football.

YouTube credit: FoxSports

Tiger Woods gains a yard or two at US Masters (2013)

The world number one was given a two-stroke penalty for advancing his ball up the fairway after finding the water and taking a drop.

YouTube credit: Tommysdaddy114

Sammy Sosa corks his bat (2003)

The ligtweight material, which made bats lighter but more potent, was illegal in baseball when the Chicago Cubs’ star player was caught for these antics a decade ago.

YouTube credit: Ryan Schwark

Rivaldo hit in the knee, holds his face (2002)

Hakan Unsal was sent off after the Brazilian’s slight exaggeration.

YouTube credit: benbs618

Rooney and Giggs tap-corner shenanigans (2009)

YouTube credit: RicardoMeloPerereka

Riddick Bowe suffers some low blows (1996)

Polish boxer Andrew Golota sparked a riot after punching the American boxer below the belt once too often.

YouTube credit: monsterkawasaki86

Bodyline bowler stumps the Aussies (1932)

A dastardly move to bowl at the heads and ribs of Australians, which prompted a rule change to prevent it from happening again.

YouTube credit: suda chakri

Oakland Raiders use casts as clubs (1977)

The NFL team had Plaster of Paris casts placed inside their gear and would routine axe down opponents, including O.J Simpson, with hefty and illegal blows.

Joe Sheridan’s thrown goal causes ‘Wee’ riot (2010)

We’re still not sure how this Joe Sheridan goal was allowed to stand. Some irate Louth fans made a beeline for referee Martin Sludden at full-time.

YouTube credit: rbyrne1000

What sporting ‘cheats’ caused you the most grief/mirth?

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