5 Biggest Rugby Transfers That Almost Happened but Didn't

But which other players failed to make some of the biggest moves of all time?

Marler's agent reportedly visited the Sale training ground in 2018 with the Sharks reportedly willing to pay a fee to sign the England loosehead. However, the move collapsed as the two clubs could not agree on the transfer fee.

Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen revealed the East Midlands club were in talks with the back-row in 2015, but he decided to remain in the Top 14. The then France captain snubbed a move to Leicester and signed a two-year contract extension with Toulouse.

Hot on the heels of landing fly half Danny Cipriani for next season, Wasps reportedly made an audacious attempt to bring David Pocock to the Premiership in a potential deal that would make the Australia flanker the highest paid rugby player in the world. According to would offer him a package in excess of the £1.4 million. This would have been one of the biggest transfers ever.

According to the Telegraph, the Yorkshire club were ready to make a third bid to attract All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu to England in 2001 – and offer him the chance to star in Super League and for Leeds Tykes in the Zurich Premiership. They were considering a deal which would see 6ft 5ins Lomu play both rugby codes. A £250,000 a year offer was reportedly on the table but this deal never happened.

The England and Leicester Tigers legend revealed on the 'Building Jerusalem' documentary that he was called by Newcastle Falcons and Richmond when the game went professional in 1996. Despite their big-money offer, the second-row was settled where he was and stayed at Welford Road.