'The next Jonny Wilkinson' - 5 English players who never fulfilled their HUGE potential

A scapegoat, a quitter, both - or neither? His infamous stint in rugby union may not have been entirely his fault, perhaps, but despite the fanfare and the money, one of the best players in league lasted less than a year in union.

The video below makes it seem as though Burgess was some kind of Rugby Union god, but we can confirm that this was far from reality!

He was the beating heart of that splendid Wasps side who won a hat-trick of Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups – it took a certain Wilkinson to keep him out of the international spotlight. After his successes in conducting a back line on the field, he started coaching first with Clermont; then Montpellier, Northampton and Wales; and now Gloucester.

In a different life the flanker would have amassed over 50 caps, but due to his decision to play his rugby in the Top 14 he’ll end his career with five. Even though Armitage has won three European titles with Toulon and a European Player of the Year award, he has not played for England since 2010.  Armitage, aged 35, still plays in France, for Biarritz.

The fly-half may still be plying his trade at the highest level with Bath RFC, but few could argue that he has achieved everything that was hoped of him back when he was a 20-year-old prospect tipped to be the next Jonny Wilkinsoon. A tumultuous life off the pitch littered with indiscretions and run-ins with authorities ensured the England international would make just 16 appearances for England.

The 2013 British & Irish Lion quit Wasps in order to pursue a lucrative career in the NFL, having grown disillusioned with rugby union. The 29-year-old was one of the most recognised names in the domestic game, but his continued absence from the international set-up – having won just one England cap on the 2013 tour of Argentina – had left him frustrated and fed up of continuously being overlooked. What a waste.