Four Wasps signings who were meant to be the business…but weren’t

We’ve gone from the inception of the Premiership in 1997/98 because, as you all know, that’s when club rugby ‘started’.

Despite being 33, there was excitement when the World Cup-winning hooker signed a three-year deal with Wasps in May 2011.

However, in December, after making just one appearance, Thompson announced his immediate retirement from the game, following a recurrence of a serious neck injury sustained in Wasps' training in late-October.

This required surgery to relieve symptoms of numbness and dizziness, but to carry on playing would carry serious risk to his health.

DID YOU KNOW? The England hooker was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2003, losing out to teammate Jonny Wilkinson

In July 2010, Cardiff Blues agreed to release Powell from his contract, even though it had 12 months remaining, stating that Powell had "lost his way" since the buggy incident.

The Wales international joined Wasps on a 12-month contract in July 2010, coached by Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards, which he hoped would improve his chances of a return to the national squad.

On the pitch, his performances had been underwhelming before he left the club by mutual consent after a drunken brawl outside a pub. A total waste of time and money.

DID YOU KNOW? He briefly joined Leicester Tigers in 2003, making one appearance

After arriving from Bath in 2016, the England centre made 16 appearances before an Achilles tendon injury derailed his season.

His second campaign in black and gold has been even more frustrating, making just seven appearances.

The 28-year-old was suspended for two dangerous tackles against Harlequins in February, one of which earned him a red card inside the first 20 minutes.

He then departed, joining Leicester Tigers.

The Italian stallion. When the free-running centre, who had scored a hat-trick against Wasps the season prior, arrived from Exeter Chiefs fans were very excited to see him play in black and gold.

For him to depart after only one injury-disrupted season at the club, scoring zero tries in just four appearances, can only be described as disappointing.