As Western Province do their best to chase down every big-name player in a Springbok jersey this week, we take a look at some of the sport?s more high-profile signings in recent times and consider the impact (or lack thereof) they made at their new teams.

Big-name signings are nothing new in rugby. Springbok wing James Small left Transvaal for Western Province for, what was at the time, the biggest contract in South African rugby history. Small's fellow Bok winger, Chester Williams, ended his career in the Transvaal after delighting the WP crowds for years.

Bob Skinstad turned out for the Stormers, Cats and the Sharks, while Tiaan Strauss was one of the first South African players to make the switch international ? leaving SA for Australia.

We take a look at some of the more recent big-name signings and consider the impact they made at their new teams?

Percy Montgomery: Transfer: From the Sharks to Western Province

Springbok legend Percy Montgomery returned to WP ? the side he made his name at ? in 2008 after excelling for the Sharks for the previous three years, both at Super 14 and Currie Cup level.

But the signing of the veteran Bok made little sense to the Newlands faithful, who seldom saw him play. Percy finally hung up his boots for good after making just a handful of starts for the Stormers.

Bryan Habana: Transfer: From the Lions to the Bulls

Prior to being named the IRB Player of the Year in 2007, and before becoming one of Loftus' favourite sons on the wing, Bryan Habana was plying his trade in the Lions midfield.

Habana was a relative unknown when he was first picked by Springbok coach Jake White for the 2004 tour of the United Kingdom, but after excelling for the Boks he was snapped up by the Bulls the following year.

The Bok flyer has become an integral part of the Pretoria machine since then and it is there is little wonder that he is on everybody else's shopping list.

Clyde Rathbone Transfer: From the Sharks to the ACT Brumbies

When former SA Under-21 captain Clyde Rathbone signed for the ACT Brumbies ? from the Sharks ? in 2003, he beat Kevin Pietersen to the punch as SA's biggest turncoat (in the eyes of the fans at least).

Rathbone, sporting legs like a rhino, carved his way through the opposition and excelled for the Brumbies during the Super 14 and in 2004 he forced his way into the Wallabies side ? memorably scoring the winning try against the Springboks in Perth.

But the big winger's career was blighted by injury with Rathbone finally hanging up his boots recently at the tender age of 28.

Victor Matfield Transfer: From the Bulls to Toulon

Springbok and Bulls lock Victor Matfield was signed by ambitious French club Toulon after the World Cup in 2007 on a six-month contract ? joining a host of South African players to make the journey north.

Regarded as the world's best second-rower, Matfield was considered one of the most high-profile signings ever, which made the decision by coach Tana Umaga to release Matfield early all the more bizarre.

Matfield saw out just two months of his contract with the French side?

Luke Watson: Transfer: From the Sharks to Western Province

Before his comments about the Springbok jersey made him public enemy number one to the majority of South Africa rugby fans, Luke Watson arrived at Western Province from the Sharks as a highly-regarded loose forward.

He made an immediate impact for the Stormers in the Super 12 and took over the leadership of WP during the 2005 Currie Cup season with great success. His form for WP began a debate over his Springbok credentials and he was considered integral to his new province's success during his time in charge.

In 2008, however, Watson became persona non grata when he was recorded making disparaging comments about the Bok jersey and his team-mates. His form also showed a noticeable dip as the pressure began to take its toll. Watson has again taken over the captaincy of WP this season ? his last for WP before moving to Bath at the end of the Currie Cup.

Freddy Michalak: Transfer: Toulouse to the Sharks

The mercurial French flyhalf followed in the footsteps of countryman Thierry Lacroix, joining the Sharks in 2008. Much was expected of Michalak in the Super 14, but he failed to deliver on his considerable talent and his season was cut short by injury.

He made far more of an impact in the '08 Currie Cup and helped deliver the trophy to Durban for the first time since 1996, before returning to his native France and club Toulouse.

Dan Carter: Transfer: Crusaders to Perpignan

Regarded by many as the world's best player, Dan Carter had his pick of clubs in 2008, but decided to sign on with French side Perpignan for six months. The fact that Carter was allowed a six-month sabbatical from New Zealand showed his worth to the All Blacks.

Broken down, Carter's contract with Perpignan was estimated at #30 000 per game, making it one of the most lucrative in rugby history. But the New Zealand star managed just five games for the French side before rupturing his Achilles tendon against Stade Francais, which brought an abrupt end to his season.

John Smit: Transfer: Sharks to Clermont

During the run-up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Springbok skipper John Smit was linked with French side Clermont, eventually signing a two-year contract with the side.

Smit joined up with the French team the following season and enjoyed mixed results. He played just three games for the side before returning to the South Africa to rejoin the Sharks after just one year with Clermont.

So, there you have it, some of the more high-profile signings we have seen over the past few years. It shows no signs of abating, however, with WP chasing Habana, Jaque Fourie, and rumours are rife that that they want the Du Plessis brothers as well.

And let us not forget Boks Jean de Villiers and Frans Steyn already signing for Munster and Racing Metro respectively!

Is rugby going the way of football? It would certainly seem to be?

Who did we forget? And is rugby soon to rival football in the transfer stakes? Comments below!