Leicester Tigers finally sign replacement for Handre Pollard
Rugby NewsWednesday, 28 May 2025 at 18:59
Leicester Tigers are closing in on a deal to bring former Wasps, Bristol Bears and Worcester Warriors fly-half Billy Searle back to the Premiership, according to reports.
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The 28-year-old is set to leave French Pro D2 outfit Agen—where he racked up an impressive 117 points in 22 games this season—after triggering a release clause in his contract.
RugbyPass reports that Searle is poised to become the second new No.10 heading to Welford Road this summer, following the return of Charlie Titcombe from the Scarlets.
It’s all change at fly-half for the Tigers, with Springbok Handré Pollard off to the Bulls and Jamie Shillcock making the move to Brive.
And the rumour mill isn't done yet—Leicester have also been linked with a sensational move for former England skipper Owen Farrell, who is reportedly open to an early exit from his Racing 92 contract.
Big summer brewing in the East Midlands.
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Three Premiership Clubs in the Running to Sign Owen Farrell
n firmly on the cards.
The ex-England skipper, who’s had a nightmare debut season in France, has informed the Parisian giants that he wants out a year early. His stint has been plagued by injuries, with a lingering groin issue limiting him to just 41 points in 17 appearances.
His last outing? A brief 18-minute shift at inside-centre in the Challenge Cup semi-final against Lyon on May 4th. Since then, it’s been radio silence—and any hopes of joining dad Andy Farrell with the British & Irish Lions this summer now hang by a thread.
But don’t count him out just yet.
? Saracens: Homecoming on the Horizon?
Farrell’s fairy-tale return to Saracens is gathering serious steam.
According to RugbyPass, talks are well underway for a blockbuster player-coach role at his boyhood club—just months after waving goodbye to the StoneX Stadium following 256 appearances, six Premiership titles, and three European crowns.
With club legend Kevin Sorrell exiting the coaching team this week, there’s a vacancy begging for a name like Farrell’s. Could he be the next big piece in Mark McCall’s evolving backroom puzzle?
Expect movement fast.
? Leicester Lurking in the Shadows
But wait—Saracens aren’t alone in the race.
Leicester Tigers are also sniffing around the 33-year-old playmaker. With Handré Pollard heading for the exit at the end of the season, Tigers are desperate for a headline act to take over the No.10 jersey.
They’ve already had two failed attempts to snatch Farrell this year—but could go all-in for a third. They’d need to buy out his final year in France, just like Saracens.
Watch this space.
? Red Bull x Newcastle: The Plot Twist No One Saw Coming
Now here’s where things get WILD.
Red Bull are reportedly on the verge of a stunning takeover of Newcastle Falcons, per RugbyPass—and Farrell could be the face of their rugby revolution.
The energy drink juggernaut, already dominant in Formula 1 and football, is looking to crash into rugby, and Kingston Park is firmly in their sights.
With takeover talks gathering pace for a July finish, sources say the Falcons could soon be one of the richest clubs in the Premiership—and Farrell’s name is firmly in the mix.
Imagine this: Owen Farrell, Red Bull ambassador, steering Newcastle into a new era of big-money signings and on-field glory. It’s ambitious. It’s audacious. And it just might happen.
Can you name all 28 clubs to ever appear in the Premiership?
London Welsh were the last new team to play in the Gallagher Premiership back in 2011 – can you name the others?
You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.
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