Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.

Two of the names that surfaced crossed codes from rugby league, begging the question:  Whether it was patchy form, positional uncertainty, sky-high expectations, or simply being thrown into the wrong system at the wrong time, these men have—fairly or unfairly—etched themselves onto England’s hall of infamy.

As the countdown begins, the reasons vary wildly, but the verdict does not: these players left fans scratching their heads, shouting at their TVs, and wondering how the selectors arrived at these decisions.

Here are the five England players supporters voted as the biggest disappointments of the professional era…

A generational talent whose highlights reel still does the rounds on YouTube, Cipriani was tipped to become England’s long-term magician at No.10. His vision, passing game, and attacking instincts were up there with the best on the planet.

Yet the promise never translated into international dominance. Just 16 caps across a decade tells the story: coaches didn’t trust him, systems didn’t suit him, and off-field headlines often drowned out his rugby.

While he produced flashes of brilliance—most memorably in 2008 against Ireland—Cipriani spent more time on the outside looking in. Hands down one of the most frustrating “what-ifs” in English rugby history.

Perry’s rise from welder to England scrum-half was the ultimate feel-good story. A hard-working Bristol nine with a booming box-kick and plenty of physicality, he earned admirers for his grit and graft.

But at Test level, he never looked settled. His distribution was inconsistent, his tempo was often too slow for the international game, and he struggled to impose himself against elite opposition.

It all came to a head at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, where a difficult outing against South Africa saw Brian Ashton drop him entirely. Perry finished with 14 caps and the reputation of a player who simply couldn’t translate his club form to the highest stage.

A Gloucester legend and one-club warrior, Hazell was the heartbeat of Kingsholm—relentless, combative, and adored in Cherry & White country. But stepping into the England setup was another matter entirely.

Tasked with filling the massive void left by Neil Back, Hazell earned seven caps between 2004 and 2005, mostly off the bench. Yet he became known for giving away penalties at the worst possible moments and never managed to stamp his authority on the breakdown.

A superb club player, no question, but at Test level he often looked a half-step behind the pace.

A cult hero at Gloucester, “The Volcano” erupted onto the Premiership scene with a five-try debut and an unstoppable presence that had defenders bouncing off him like skittles.

Qualifying for England on residency grounds, he was rushed into the 2008 Six Nations with huge expectations. But the Test arena exposed his lack of positional awareness on the wing, and his trademark power carries never quite materialised against elite defences.

Five caps, zero tries, and Vainikolo quietly disappeared from England contention just as quickly as he’d arrived. A classic example of club dominance not translating to international rugby.

The most high-profile rugby league convert in England’s history—and the most divisive. Burgess arrived with superstar credentials, State of Origin pedigree, and the aura of a once-in-a-generation athlete.

But everything else around the switch was chaos. Bath didn’t know whether he was a 6 or a 12. England didn’t know either. And Burgess, to his credit, was thrown into the deep end far too quickly.

Fast-tracked into the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, he became the face of a doomed campaign, symbolising England’s muddled selections and tactical confusion. Though he never disgraced himself individually, Burgess ended with just 5 caps and one of the most notorious cross-code experiments in rugby history.

A superstar in league—no question. In union? An unforgettable misfire.