But the likes of Andy Farrell, Henry Paul and Chev Walker failed to match Robinson's impact.

"We've made it very clear our policy is not to recruit league players," said RFU director of elite rugby Rob Andrew.

"That's because of the structure in terms of how we're funding the clubs and the top end of the game."

League players are still moving to union, with Bradford Bulls centre Shontayne Hape recently moving to Bath and promising Leeds Rhinos back Danny Williams switching to Newcastle Falcons.

But the union clubs involved in those deals have had to find the finances without assistance from the RFU.

"It would have to be an extraordinary situation for Martin Johnson to come to us recommending a league player and for us to sign him," said Andrew.

"But if there was a player like that then it's very likely that he would not already have been signed by a Gloucester or Bath.

"That's because these players are being shifted around the market-place the whole time."