Not every transfer works out, and there are often mitigating circumstances behind a disappointing signing.
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Injuries, adaptation issues, form, coaching changes and simple bad luck can all play a role in a player failing to make the desired impact.
Some names on this list have barely had the chance to prove themselves, while others simply have not delivered.
With that in mind, here are the ten worst signings of the season, plus one special inclusion from the previous campaign.
10 Marius Louw
In March 2025, it was confirmed that Marius Louw would join Sale Sharks on a two-year deal starting in the 2025/26 season. So far, though, his impact has been underwhelming.
Louw arrived with a strong reputation after spending his entire career in South Africa with the Sharks before captaining the Lions, but he has yet to truly deliver for Sale.
He has not performed badly, but he also has not lived up to expectations. Adapting to life and rugby in the UK may have contributed to his slow start.
9 Jean-Luc du Preez
Jean-Luc du Preez remains unavailable for Union Bordeaux Bègles, and the timeline for his return is becoming increasingly uncertain.
The South African back row has not featured since January 18, when Bordeaux faced Bristol in the Champions Cup.
He was forced off that night after suffering another concussion, his third in just a few months, adding to those sustained while on international duty with the Springboks over the summer.
It is not the first setback of the season for du Preez, who also suffered a knee injury in September. It has been a difficult campaign for the former Sale Sharks player, who only joined Bordeaux last summer.
8 Boeta Chamberlain
Boeta Chamberlain joined the Bulls in July 2024 and made his debut in the Currie Cup against Western Province.
A year later, in August 2025, he signed a one-year deal with Newcastle following the conclusion of the Currie Cup.
The move appeared to be a short-term signing aimed at adding squad depth. Although Chamberlain showed some promise on paper, his performances have largely disappointed.
With Newcastle looking to build a stronger long-term squad, it would not be surprising to see him move on sooner rather than later.
7 Solomone Funaki
It has been more than a year since Solomone Funaki arrived at Rodney Parade, meaning he is technically not a signing from this season. However, the long wait for his full Dragons debut ended without him playing a competitive fixture.
Injuries meant the Tonga international back row missed the entirety of last season after joining from Moana Pasifika.
In December, he left the Dragons early without making a competitive appearance because of continued injury problems. It was unfortunate rather than anyone’s fault, but it is difficult to leave him off this list.
6 Mackenzie Martin
Another signing by the Dragons, Mackenzie Martin earned his Wales debut against Ireland in 2024 at the age of just 20, having made only a limited number of appearances for Cardiff.
After falling out of the spotlight, a loan switch to Rodney Parade was seen as an opportunity to revive his career, but the move has yet to deliver the desired impact.
Martin’s season has been hampered by injury setbacks, and when fit, he has found it difficult to cement a regular place, quickly falling out of favour at the Dragons.
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