LIST | 5 most controversial transfers in rugby history

Some simply for joining fierce rivals and some for the more shady aspects involved in the deals.

The 31-year-old was persuaded to move to Tigers fierce rivals Bath in 2010 after holding talks with head coach Steve Meehan and chief executive Nick Blofeld. Moody won seven Premiership titles and played in three Heineken Cup finals with Leicester before joining arguably their biggest rivals. It was a major shock at the time.

Perhaps the most controversial transfer in recent history simply because how mismanaged it looked and ugly it ended.

An early Rugby World Cup exit, disappointing Bath season later (Neither of which Burgess can realistically be accountable for) and a hostile press meant Sam returned to where he was fully appreciated, presumably, never to return.

What did it cost? £880,000 (But apparently the Rabbitohs helped with a refund)

Falcons announced in May 2004 that the Brumbies loose forward had signed on a two-year deal, believed to be worth £150,000 per season.

However, the then recently-capped Wallaby got cold feet and pulled out of the move claiming he’d only ever signed a letter of intent. Rob Andrew was adamant at the time that agreement to join the Falcons was binding.

Fearns’ incredible form in France had raised hopes of an England call-up and the bruising flanker was on the lookout for a move home. 

Gloucester looked set to be his destination in 2017 until the Liverpudlian got wind that Eddie Jones didn’t rate him, and did a U-turn, delivering the sort of hammer blow that once floored Gavin Henson.

Fearns re-signed for Lyon instead with the French club having to pay a fee to the Cherry & whites to keep their own player.

The cross-code signing of Solomona was the most controversial signing of 2016. Not because Sale Sharks put down a lot of money for the player but because his original club, Castleford Tigers feel they were deceived.

He had been the top try scorer for the Tigers but was clearly unhappy continuing to play in League. Tigers had refused several bids for the player but Solomona took matters into his own hands and retired from League altogether so that he was free to sign up with whoever he liked.