Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\nInjuries, adaptation issues, form, coaching changes and simple bad luck can all play a role in a player failing to make the desired impact.<\/p>\n
Some names on this list have barely had the chance to prove themselves, while others simply have not delivered. <\/p>\n
With that in mind, here are the ten worst signings of the season, plus one special inclusion from the previous campaign.<\/p>\n
10 Marius Louw<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
9 Jean-Luc du Preez<\/p>\n
Jean-Luc du Preez remains unavailable for Union Bordeaux B\u00e8gles, and the timeline for his return is becoming increasingly uncertain.<\/p>\n
The South African back row has not featured since January 18, when Bordeaux faced Bristol in the Champions Cup.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
8 Boeta Chamberlain<\/p>\n
Boeta Chamberlain joined the Bulls in July 2024 and made his debut in the Currie Cup against Western Province.<\/p>\n
A year later, in August 2025, he signed a one-year deal with Newcastle following the conclusion of the Currie Cup.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With Newcastle looking to build a stronger long-term squad, it would not be surprising to see him move on sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n
7 Solomone Funaki<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Injuries meant the Tonga international back row missed the entirety of last season after joining from Moana Pasifika.<\/p>\n
In December, he left the Dragons early without making a competitive appearance because of continued injury problems. It was unfortunate rather than anyone\u2019s fault, but it is difficult to leave him off this list.<\/p>\n
6 Mackenzie Martin<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Martin\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/p>\n
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