Free agent XV: The superstars out of contract in summer 2021

So, who will gamble, who will stick and which stars will be forcing rugby’s world elite into a bidding war at the end of the season?

15. Anthony Watson (Bath & England): The black, blue and whites will be desperate to hold onto the versatile speedster, but a report in the French press suggests that he could be joining Racing 92 ahead of the 2021/22 season.

14. Keith Earls (Ireland & Munster: The 32-year-old has won 84 caps for Ireland, scoring 30 tries, last penned a new contract in 2018, and is set to be a free agent. Reports in Ireland suggest the speedster will retire, but he could certainly do a job for most teams in Europe.

13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors & Scotland): In 2017, Glasgow Warriors announced that Jones had signed a contract until at least 2021. However, if reports are to be believed, the Scotland centre is keen on a move to the Gallagher Premiership with Leicester Tigers and London Irish very interested.

12.Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks): The powerhouse could depart the AJ Bell Stadium in 2021 when his contract expires. The 29-year-old, who moved to the North West following his dramatic exit from Leicester Tigers, is reportedly being lined up to join Racing 92 in the TOP14 ahead of the 2021/22 season.

11. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath & England): The powerhouse arrived at Bath from London Irish on a three-year deal in 2018. He’s since became a regular pick for England head coach Eddie Jones and featured at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The 22-year-old won’t be short of options if he chooses to leave the. rec.

10. Johnny Sexton (Leinster & Ireland): The fly-half, who will be 36 when his contract expires, signed his latest deal shortly after he was named 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year. Reports in Japan have suggested the legendary fly-half could end his career in the Japanese Top League while there has also been interest from Bath.

9. Danny Care (England & Harlequins): The scrum-half signed a two-year extension back in 2019, meaning he will be out of contract next year. Care, who is reportedly keen to sign a new deal to stay at the Stoop, has won the Premiership (2012) and the European Challenge Cup (2011) since joining Quins from Leeds in 2006.

1. Beno Obano (Bath & England): The powerhouse, who could join his cousin at Maro Itoje at Saracens in 2021, will be looking to push himself into Eddie Jones plans before he departs the Rec next year.

2. Guilhem Guirado (France & Montpellier): The former France captain has struggled with injury in recent times, making just one appearance since joining Montpellier. If he can regain his fitness, he'd be a great signing for any team.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland & Leinster): The Irishman, who is widely regarded as the best tighthead in the world, will be out of contract with Leinster and the IRFU at the end of the 2020/21 season after last extending his contract in 2018.

4. Iain Henderson (Ireland & Ulster): Since being promoted to the Ulster first-team in 2013, Henderson shone for the Irish province, becoming one of the most physical and hard carrying forwards in the PRO14. Also making his mark for Ireland, there will be no shortage of interest in the versatile forward.

5. Leone Nakarawa (Fiji & Glasgow Warriors): The Fijian powerhouse will likely move to Japan if reports are to be believed. Leicester Tigers have also been linked.

6. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland & Edinburgh): A serious contender for a place on the British & Irish Lions tour, the flanker has the option to stay at Glasgow or head elsewhere for probably more money. Harlequins are in the market for an industrious back-rower after losing Jack Clifford and Chris Robshaw.

7. Pieter Steph du Toit (South Africa & Stormers): The flanker recently penned a short-term deal that will keep him in South Africa at least until the Lions tour, but after that he's expected to make a big money move to England or France. Harlequins and Montpellier are the two named clubs to have made an approach for the 2019 World Player of the Year thus far.

8. Sergio Parisse (Italy & Toulon): The 36-year-old, who has 142 caps for his country, signed a contract to remain at Toulon until at least the end of the 2020/21 campaign. He had been previously set for a move to London Irish before madness of the Coronavirus encouraged him to stay put in France.