"Total flop" - Worst Signings of the 2021/22 Premiership season

Whether it be failing to live up to expectations due to a big contract, or performances levels simply not being good enough, several massive deals haven't actually worked out.

He has struggled to rediscover his best form in the black, blue and white shirt since joining in the summer. Although you could point to a number of injuries as the reason for his tough time, his departure at the end of the season tells you all you need to know about his stint at The Rec.

The tighthead-prop arrived from Bayonne last summer, however, would join Bristol Bears on loan in March following 11 unconvincing performances that included seven losses.

His time in the North East has been turbulent, to say the least, with the club choosing not to extend his deal. It was a big-money signing that really didn't pay off for Dean Richards.

Fans were buzzing with the signing of the England U20 flier, especially after his man of the match debut in which he scored a brace of tries against Bristol Bears. Nevertheless, he's only managed to cross the whitewash in one of his 14 subsequent appearances.

After winning the Premiership with Harlequins, the former England winger headed to the North East keen to get gametime in order to impress England boss Eddie Jones. Nevertheless, he's once again remained on the fringes of things with Earle scoring one try in eight Premiership starts.