Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth came close to shock Saracens transfer

But for every deal that made the headlines, there have been several that came incredibly close before collapsing at the final hurdle.

From World Cup-winning captains to some of the greatest players the game has ever seen, these are the biggest rugby transfers that almost happened.

Widely regarded as the best player in world rugby, Antoine Dupont has attracted interest from around the globe throughout his career.

During his sabbatical and Olympic sevens campaign, Japanese clubs were reportedly prepared to offer the France captain one of the richest contracts rugby has ever seen. Dupont ultimately chose to remain loyal to Toulouse, but the prospect of him spending his prime years in Japan would have transformed the league overnight.

At the height of his fame, Jonah Lomu was rugby's first global superstar.

Leeds launched an ambitious attempt to bring the All Blacks legend to Yorkshire in what would have been one of the biggest signings in the history of either rugby union or rugby league. The move never materialised, but it remains one of the sport's greatest transfer 'what ifs'.

Saracens came close to pulling off one of the biggest signings in Prem history when they explored a deal for Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth.

The South African was expected to join on a short-term contract while playing in Japan, but negotiations eventually broke down before a deal could be completed.

French giants Toulon spent years trying to lure the All Blacks playmaker to the Top 14.

The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year was regularly linked with the club during his peak years, but instead remained in New Zealand before later taking a sabbatical in Japan.

Brian O'Driscoll was offered the chance to finish his legendary career in France.

Toulon were prepared to make the Ireland icon one of the highest-paid players in the world, but O'Driscoll rejected the lucrative offer to remain a one-club man with Leinster until his retirement.

Toulon also made repeated attempts to sign All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

Despite the enormous financial incentives on offer, McCaw never seriously considered leaving New Zealand and finished his career having represented only Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks.

Before leading South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory, Siya Kolisi was the subject of a major approach from Wasps.

The Premiership side were prepared to make the Springbok flanker one of the competition's marquee stars, but the move failed to materialise as Kolisi remained with the Stormers before eventually moving to Racing 92 years later.

One of the biggest transfer stories of the professional era saw Wasps attempt to sign Wallabies captain David Pocock.

The deal would reportedly have made Pocock the highest-paid player in rugby at the time, eclipsing even the contracts being handed out in France. Instead, he stayed in Australia and continued his remarkable international career.

Few players have been linked with France more often than Maro Itoje.

Racing 92, Toulon and several other Top 14 heavyweights have all been credited with pursuing the England lock during various contract negotiations. Despite the constant speculation, Itoje has remained loyal to Saracens throughout his career.

The biggest transfer that never happened came during rugby's early professional years.

Newcastle Falcons owner Sir John Hall was determined to make England captain Martin Johnson the face of his ambitious project and launched a major bid to prise him away from Leicester Tigers.

Had the move gone through, it would have rewritten English rugby history. Instead, Johnson stayed at Welford Road, captained Leicester to multiple Premiership and European titles, and cemented his status as one of the greatest players the game has ever produced.

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

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