3 Ross Byrne (Gloucester)
Arguably the biggest disappointment of the season, Ross Byrne’s struggles have been magnified by his reported high salary. Gloucester supporters are increasingly frustrated by his continued selection, which some feel is hindering the development of Charlie Atkinson, who has been pushed out to fullback as a result.
Byrne’s pedigree is unquestionable. Across 177 appearances for Leinster, he was central to their United Rugby Championship dominance, winning four titles and earning two Team of the Season selections. He also won a Champions Cup and finished runner-up on four further occasions. Yet at Gloucester, he has looked a pale imitation of that player, with his playmaking influence noticeably diminished.
Over a decade at Leinster, Byrne amassed 1,156 points, the third-highest total in the club’s history, and that success translated to the international stage.
Since debuting for Ireland against Italy in 2018, he has earned 22 caps, scored 56 points, won two Triple Crowns, a Six Nations title and a Grand Slam, and featured at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Despite all that, his current form has failed to match expectations.
4 Len Ikitau (Exeter Chiefs)
At 27, Len Ikitau arrived in England with an impressive CV, boasting over 100 combined appearances for the Brumbies and the Wallabies. Exeter’s marquee summer signing has shown his quality, particularly in a midfield partnership with Henry Slade, but a significant injury has stalled his momentum.
Ikitau is expected to be sidelined for around three months after suffering a shoulder injury in a recent victory over Saracens, an issue that will require surgery and likely keep him out until the end of the Six Nations in March. He featured prominently for Australia against the British and Irish Lions and in the Rugby Championship over the summer, making his absence a blow for Exeter.
Labeling him a “flop” may be harsh, but given the expectations surrounding his arrival, it’s fair to say injuries have prevented him from fully delivering on his promise so far.
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