"Exciting opportunity" - Gary Neville makes surprising move into rugby

The Premiership's deal with BT Sport, which is being rebranded as TNT Sports following a merger with Warner Bros., has long been associated with established producers Sunset and Vine.

However, according to The Rugby Paper, it appears that Buzz16 was able to undercut these producers by a significant seven figures to win the contract.

The news has been met with surprise in the TV industry, with insiders reporting that Buzz16's bid was considerably lower than that of the long-established Sunset and Vine.

Despite this, it is clear that the quality of Buzz16's previous work must have impressed the decision-makers at TNT Sports enough to award them the contract.

This move by Neville demonstrates his ability to diversify and expand his business interests beyond football. Buzz16, which he co-founded in 2016, has previously produced documentaries and other sports-related content.

Now, with this new contract, they will be responsible for producing TNT Sports' rugby output, ensuring that fans can expect top-quality coverage from the start of next season.

Here, RUCKl takes a look over the most expensive moves.

The 25-year-old, who has 14 caps for England, enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Ashton Gate between 2020 and 2021, scoring 18 tries in 19 matches and helping the Bears to a maiden European title and top spot in the Gallagher Premiership.

Last season’s leading try scorer in the Gallagher Premiership with 16, full-back Malins signs a two-year deal at Ashton Gate.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Max is already one of the top players in the Gallagher Premiership and he made a huge impact during his loan spell with us at the Bears. We are all looking forward to welcoming him back into our team again.

Malins added: “I’m delighted to have signed with the Bears. During my loan period, I was made to feel very welcome by the fans, thoroughly enjoyed my rugby and made some good friends. I look forward to returning and hope to carry on where I left off.”

The 70-times-capped, 6ft5in and 126kg England lock returns to Harlequins having originally joined the Harlequins Academy as a 15-year-old playing for affiliate clubs Worthing and Horsham, staying with Quins until the age of 18 when he moved to Wasps.

Earning his Premiership debut as a teenager, Launchbury was named the Premiership’s Young Player of the Year award for the 2012/13 season.

The 31-year-old went on to establish himself as one of the premier locks in the country, becoming one of the most capped second rows in English history and going on to be named Wasps’ Club captain.

Commenting on his return to the Club, Launchbury said: “I'm glad to sign on with Quins. I have fond memories of my time here in the academy. I grew up playing with and against a number of the first team squad, so it has a somewhat familiar feel to come back to Harlequins."

“I’m looking forward to my time in Japan for the rest of this season, but am very excited for the new start with Harlequins over the summer.

“Quins have some of the richest history in the game and it’s been fascinating to hear how this group have tapped back into that Harlequins DNA of old over the last few seasons.

“With the style of rugby this squad plays, I know it will be an exciting setup to be a part of.”

The Leeds born Number 8 is currently plying his trade in Montpellier, having signed for the Top 14 side in 2021 after five years with Bath Rugby.  

With two England caps to his name – as well as 17 for England U20, including 10 as captain - Mercer has made a lasting impression in France over the past 12-months. He helped secure Montpellier’s maiden Top 14 title, contributing to three first half tries - including crossing the whitewash himself – in a man of the match performance hailed by rugby fans and media alike.  

Nominated for World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2017, the 25-year-old received his first call-up to the senior England team in the same year, going on to secure his debut test cap against Japan in the 2018 Autumn Internationals.  

Commenting on the announcement, Mercer said: 

“To be given the opportunity to come back and play in the Premiership with Gloucester is one that I couldn’t turn down. The loyal fans and atmosphere at Kingsholm is something I can't wait to be part of.  

“Alex Brown, Skivs and the whole coaching group are building a strong team and a great environment on the field, and I believe I can add a lot of value. I can’t wait to be wearing the cherry and white jersey in front of the shed and being part of Gloucester’s future. 

“I have another season here with Montpellier and I’ll be giving all my focus to the club in trying to secure back-to-back titles and European cup success.” 

The 24-year-old Fijian centre, who burst onto the scene during the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, made his international debut during the Autumn International Series, scoring against Ireland in Dublin.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Kalaveti is a hugely exciting signing for the club who is comfortable at both inside and outside centre. At only 24 years of age, he will fit nicely into our team as he brings his powerful, destructive ball-carrying and a well-rounded skillset that really took Super Rugby and international rugby by storm in 2022.

“He is dangerous on both sides of the ball, and we’re excited to help him fulfil his potential and ambitions up here in Europe. I’m confident our supporters will enjoy watching him represent the Bears in the coming seasons.”

Ravouvou added: “I’m delighted to have signed for Bristol Bears for the next few seasons.

“They play an attractive brand of rugby which I think will suit me and get the best out of me as a player.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in at the club’s World Class training facilities and contribute to their aspirations and ambitions as a club.”

The 30-year-old will link up with the Blue, Black and White following the 2023 Rugby World Cup after a stellar four seasons at Racing 92.

Russell’s playmaking ability and excellent kicking game have seen him become one of the most lauded players in the northern hemisphere. He will join a Bath squad which has already seen recent recruits Ted Hill, Ollie Lawrence and Alfie Barbeary commit for the long term. 

“Finn is a world-class player who will significantly add to our squad on and off the field,” Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said.

“To be able to attract players of Finn’s quality to Bath Rugby is a credit to how far we have come as a club and a group since 11 July.

“We look forward to welcoming his experience, leadership and expertise to the Blue, Black and White.”