LIST | 5 Premiership signings who never made their debuts

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. The back-rower instead re-signed for Lyon instead and continues to be one of the best ball-carrying forwards around.

The Scotland full-back joined Sale ahead of the 2001/02 season but damaged knee ligaments in training and never featured. He was released from the playing staff in the summer but stayed on in a coaching capacity.

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 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.

The Fijian magician came down to Chiefs from Bath with huge expectations. However, off-the-field problems meant the scrum-half/wing only ever played for Exeter Braves, once in December 2016, without graduating to the first team.

Trained with the Exiles for a few weeks before deciding it wasn’t for him and retired. The one-time Premiership record points-scorer then resurfaced at Newcastle in December 2015 where his experience and prolific boot saved them from relegation with London Irish going down. He even made it onto the Rugby Players’ Association Player of the Year shortlist.