Ardie Savea, Faf de Klerk and more: Rugby Transfer round-up

From potential switches between rival clubs to overseas opportunities and even the prospect of a sensational code change, the latest rumours are generating plenty of interest.

Here is a look at some of the biggest recent transfer stories and speculation from across the game.

A major move to France could be on the horizon for Bath and England prop Beno Obano.

According to RugbyPass, Bordeaux-Begles, fresh from back-to-back Champions Cup triumphs, have opened discussions with the 31-year-old, who is entering the final year of his contract at The Rec.

A switch to the French giants could represent one of Obano's last opportunities to secure a significant overseas move.

However, a move across the Channel would also place his England ambitions on hold under the current selection rules.

Japan appears to be the next destination for former Wasps and Newcastle Red Bulls lock Tim Cardall.

RUCK sources understand that the experienced second row has completed a move to Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars in Japan Rugby League One, following his departure from Newcastle in May. Cardall was among 29 players to leave the club this year.

His career has already taken him from Wasps to Melbourne Rebels after the English club entered administration, before he returned to the UK and joined Newcastle in February 2023 on an initial two-year deal.

Could one of rugby union's biggest names be preparing for a move into rugby league?

Ardie Savea has reportedly emerged as a potential target for the PNG Chiefs ahead of their inaugural NRL campaign, with reports from multiple outlets suggesting the All Blacks captain could make a sensational code switch.

He could lead New Zealand at next year's Rugby World Cup before potentially making the move.

Now 32, Savea has established himself as one of the defining players of his generation in rugby union, but he has never previously played rugby league. With New Zealand's World Cup preparations currently his priority, the PNG Chiefs are reportedly monitoring his situation.

Lyon are reportedly closing in on the signature of François Cros, with the French international set to leave Stade Toulousain after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

According to Midi Olympique, the 32-year-old has agreed a three-year contract and will make the move following the tournament in Australia.

The Toulouse native has won 44 caps for France and his future has been the subject of considerable speculation in recent weeks.

His expected departure comes amid a period of change at Toulouse, following Thomas Ramos' move away from the club, with a significant rebuild now appearing to take shape.

Speculation over Faf de Klerk joining the Stormers has been firmly shut down by Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn.

The rumour first gathered pace after Rapport reported that the Stormers were negotiating with the Cheetahs over a possible loan deal for the scrum-half as they look to solve a shortage of options at number nine ahead of the United Rugby Championship season.

However, Steyn made it clear that De Klerk will not be leaving Bloemfontein, insisting that the in-form halfback is staying put regardless of the Stormers' situation.

Sale Sharks have reportedly renewed their pursuit of Springbok scrum-half Embrose Papier.

The 29-year-old is approaching the final year of his Bulls contract, with reports earlier this year suggesting Sale were prepared to pay a fee for Papier.

RugbyPass sources in South Africa have since indicated that Alex Sanderson's side remain keen on bringing him back to Manchester.

Papier already knows the club well, having made 11 appearances during a short-term spell with Sale in 2019.

Harlequins have added exciting Zimbabwe international Edward Sigauke to their squad.

The 22-year-old winger arrives with an impressive international record, scoring eight tries in just 12 appearances for Zimbabwe. His pace and footwork played an important role in helping his country qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Sigauke will join up with the Harlequins squad early next week and will have the opportunity to make his mark in PREM Rugby before potentially facing England in the World Cup pool stage next year.

In one of the more unusual moves of the transfer window, Harry Wells has signed for both Bristol Bears and Oundle RFC.

The experienced forward has joined Bristol from the fourth-tier side on a three-month deal, giving the Bears additional cover across the second row and back row. Wells, 32, spent more than a decade with Leicester Tigers and made 236 appearances for the club.

During his time at Welford Road, he helped Leicester win the Premiership title at Twickenham in 2022 and also lifted last season's PREM Rugby Cup.