Gareth Thomas
One of the most iconic players of his era, Gareth Thomas swapped union for league at the age of 35 after an impressive career in union which saw him collect 100 Wales caps, scoring 50 tries, and captain the Lions in 2005.
Thomas made the high-profile move to Crusaders RL in March 2010 but was concussed just 22 seconds into his rugby league debut against Catalans Dragons. He eventually came off after half an hour as his side went on to win 14-6.
The Bridgend-born star featured at wing, centre and second row during his time as a league player, and did manage to make 13 appearances and score three tries in his first season in the sport.
A groin injury ended his club season in July, before he racked up an eye-catching four appearances and four tries for Wales in the 2010 European Cup.
Crusaders overcame the odds to reach the play-offs that year, but their fortunes would dip dramatically in 2011.
Thomas managed a further 18 appearances and four tries for the club before breaking his arm in July, but Crusaders’ results were largely disappointing as they finished bottom of the Super League table and entered administration after financial difficulties.
The club announced their withdrawal from the league on July 26 and would go on to disband after the end of the 2011 season.
After 31 total appearances, 30 starts and seven tries, he announced his immediate retirement from the sport in October after failing to fully recover from injury.