"Absolute flop" - Andy Goode named the worst ever Premiership signing
Rugby NewsSaturday, 27 May 2023 at 08:43
There can be no underestimating the importance of recruitment to Gallagher Premiership bosses with England’s top clubs spending more money than ever before.
We’ve decided to look at five of the worst Premiership signings from down the years...
#5. Gavin Henson (Saracens and Bath)
It's hard to find words to adequately describe this man that haven't already been expressed.
Henson's arrival at Sarries in 2010 was met with anticipation, despite his 18-month absence from professional Rugby.
As a Wales international with 33 caps, his debut on boxing day added an extra layer of excitement.
However, Henson struggled to secure a regular spot in the team, leading to his departure from Sarries in February 2011. Shortly after, he joined Toulon.
This deal held tremendous promise but ultimately failed to deliver the expected results.
He later signed for Bath. What sums up his time at the club is the fact he was knocked out by Bath teammate Carl Fearns on a night out in the city.
#4. Chris Ashton (Harlequins and Worcester)
Legal procedures saw the 34-year-old’s contract with Worcester Warriors terminated after just three games for the struggling club.
Before that he made just two appearances for Quins before being released.
#3. Nemani Nadolo (Exeter Chiefs)
On January 11, 2011, he signed with the club; however, due to being registered under his Aussie passport, the club incurred a penalty of 2 points and £5,000 for fielding too many overseas players.
Subsequently, he faced a conviction for drink driving, resulting in an 18-month driving ban, and was released by the club in May 2011.
Throughout his four appearances for the Chiefs, he failed to score a single try.
Since then, his career has experienced a remarkable upward trajectory, which is a positive development.
#2. Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby)
The rugby league superstar was signed for Bath Rugby on huge money, joining in October 2014.
His inclusion and performances at the Rugby World Cup were widely scrutinized, and seen by some pundits as partly to blame for England’s “humiliating” early pool stage exit from the tournament—the worst result for a host nation in the tournament’s history.
And following the disastrous campaign, Burgess quit rugby union after just 12 months, opting to return to South Sydney Rabbitohs, signing a three-year contract.
An absolute flop.
Sam Burgess of England tackled by Taulupe Faletau of Wales - Photo mandatory by-line: Dean Lancaster/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 26/09/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 - POOL A Match 16 - England v Wales- Twickenham Stadium, London, England.
#1. Andy Goode (London Irish)
This couldn't have gone any worse for London Irish.
He spent a few weeks training with the Exiles but eventually concluded that it wasn't the right fit for him, leading to his retirement.
However, in December 2015, the former record points-scorer in the Premiership made a comeback at Newcastle.
His wealth of experience and impressive kicking abilities played a crucial role in saving the team from relegation, while London Irish suffered the drop as a consequence
His outstanding performance even earned him a spot on the shortlist for the Rugby Players' Association Player of the Year award..
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