"Disaster" - The 5 Worst Gallagher Prem Signings of All Time Ranked
Rugby NewsFriday, 15 August 2025 at 12:01
, he brought fame but not fitness.
When clubs splash big money in the Gallagher Prem, expectations are sky-high.
Some signings hit the mark instantly, becoming legends in their new jerseys.
Others… not so much.
Here’s a rundown of the five worst Premiership signings ever—players who promised fireworks but ended up fizzling.
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#5. Chris Ashton – Harlequins → Worcester Warriors (2021)
Chris Ashton is England’s second-highest all-time try scorer, known for blistering pace and sidestepping defenders like a video game.
He had won Premiership titles with Northampton and Quins, and earned 39 caps for England.
His 2021 move to Worcester was supposed to bring experience to a struggling backline.
After just two appearances for Quins mid-season, he swapped to Sixways.
Only four appearances followed.
A red card against Northampton Saints cut his impact even shorter.
Knee and calf injuries compounded the misery.
Fans were left wondering if they ever saw Ashton at full throttle.
Despite the failure, his record-breaking try totals ensure he won’t be forgotten.
#4. Nico Matawalu – Bath → Exeter Chiefs (2016)
Matawalu is a Fijian scrum-half and wing, famous for his electric footwork and offloading ability.
He had previously starred for Glasgow Warriors, winning the Pro12 in 2015.
Injuries limited him to 13 appearances at Bath.
A move to Exeter was supposed to revive his career.
Within weeks of signing, he faced legal issues, being arrested and charged with sexual assault.
Though cleared, Exeter released him without a single appearance.
It was a shocking career derailment for a player of immense talent.
He would later return to Glasgow and Fiji sevens, but the Premiership stint was a non-starter.
#3. Waisake Naholo – Highlanders → London Irish (2019)
Naholo is a World Cup-winning All Blacks winger, renowned for raw power, long-distance tries, and devastating sidesteps.
He had starred in Super Rugby with the Highlanders and in France with Montpellier.
London Irish signed him as part of a £4m recruitment spree to strengthen their squad after promotion.
Expectations were sky-high given his international pedigree.
Knee injuries struck early.
He managed only four appearances over two seasons.
His speed and finishing ability never translated to the Premiership stage.
Fans and pundits alike saw it as a cautionary tale of high-profile signings failing due to injury.
#2. Gavin Henson – Ospreys → Saracens (2010)
Henson is one of Wales’ most talented fly-halves, known for pinpoint kicking, creativity, and flair.
He had 33 caps for Wales and played for the British & Irish Lions in 2005.
He had spent 18 months unpaid leave from the Ospreys, partly due to injury and off-field distractions.
Saracens signed him hoping for spark and experience.
Fresh from Strictly Come Dancing
He played only four games before being released.
He then joined Toulon, where injuries continued to limit him.
Timing, fitness, and commitment issues made this a Premiership disappointment.
#1. Sam Burgess – South Sydney Rabbitohs → Bath (2014)
Burgess is a dual-code superstar, NRL grand final winner, and England international.
He was seen as the answer to Sonny Bill Williams, capable of game-breaking runs and physical dominance.
The RFU backed a £500,000 move to Bath ahead of England hosting the 2015 World Cup.
The expectation was that he would dominate the Premiership instantly.
Reality was starkly different.
Bath floundered, and Burgess struggled to adapt to rugby union.
Within a month of England’s Pool Stage exit, he returned to the NRL.
He became the highest-paid rugby league player ever.
The signing is remembered as a total disaster in Premiership history.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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