Transfer Round-Up: Bristol want Curry, Rees-Zammit quitting
Rugby NewsTuesday, 10 January 2023 at 09:51
RUCK RUGBY takes a look at all the latest transfer stories with their rugby Transfer Round-Up.
Another Exeter star to depart (The Rugby Paper)
Last week, Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter admitted that he was planning for next season without the services of England and Lions star Jack Nowell, and it appears that the departures from Sandy Park are set to continue.
The Rugby Paper reports that Baxter is now engaged in a contract dispute with England international tighthead Harry Williams, who is also nearing the end of his contract and has been unable to come to an agreement on new terms with the club.
A jubilant Harry Williams of England and Luke Cowan-Dickie of England during the Quilter International match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 11th August 2019. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK].
Nathan Earle departs Newcastle
Ealing Trailfinders have announced the signing of winger Earle, who has joined the club with immediate effect.
The winger, who was born in Hong Kong, comes to West London after two seasons with the Newcastle Falcons, where he scored 5 tries in 17 appearances.
Before joining the Falcons, Earle won Premiership titles with Saracens and Harlequins, scoring in Saracens’ 27-10 win over the Exeter Chiefs in 2017. He also played for Harlequins in the 2021 final, which they went on to win.
Rees-Zammit could be ready to QUIT rugby forever
The 21-year-old Wales international and youngest Lions tourist since 1959 has caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Rees-Zammit has been scoring tries for fun ever since he was in the Gloucester Rugby Academy. The Welshman is the youngest Gloucester Rugby player to play in the Premiership and was just 18 years and 70 days when he made his debut in that competition against Bath at Kingsholm.
According to The Rugby Paper, he is currently under contract at Kingsholm until the end of next season, and the scouts are considering him as a potential recruit for American Football.
Reports in France suggest Harlequins set to lose highest-paid player
According to recent reports in France, André Esterhuizen is considering leaving his current club, Harlequins, to join Lyon as a replacement for Josua Tuisova. Harlequins’ CEO Laurie Dalrymple has rubbished the reported departure, tweeting: “No he’s not!,”
Siya Kolisi to join Racing 92 (Rugby World)
An early release, a bumper deal, a new “long-term collaboration” between two clubs. There are a lot of interesting details about the deal that sees Siya Kolisi leave the Sharks early to join Racing 92 after the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.
Northampton Saints sign England forward
Saints have announced the signing of Curtis Langdon, an England international hooker, for the 2023/24 season.
The 25-year-old has previously played for Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership and London Irish’s academy.
Langdon recently joined Montpellier Hérault in the Top 14 league after his former team, Worcester Warriors, entered administration. Langdon has represented England at the Under-20 level and made his senior international debut in 2021.
He is excited to join the Saints and hopes to contribute to the team’s success and potentially earn more international caps.
Bristol want two England stars:
The Bristol Bears are reportedly interested in signing two more England internationals as they aim to win their first Premiership title.
Their head coach, Pat Lam, is reportedly looking to rebuild the team’s roster after a disappointing season that has left them at the bottom of the table.
According to RUCK, it is rumored that Charles Piutau and Semi Radradra may leave the club, which would free up a significant amount of money for the Bears to use in their pursuit of new players.
They are reportedly targeting Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry and Leicester Tigers winger Anthony Watson as they look to strengthen their squad.
Both players are said to be out of contract this summer and could potentially be signed by the Bears.
Townsend to France
There are reports in France that Gregor Townsend has already decided to depart Scotland when his contract expires following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Midi Olympique, a well-regarded sports publication in France, has reported that Townsend is one of several candidateswho have applied for the position of attack coach on Fabien Galthie’s staff for the French national team.
Galthie, the head coach of France, is looking to fill the vacancy left by Laurent Labit, who will be joining Stade Francais after the World Cup.
England forward to leave Saints (The Rugby Paper)
According to The Rugby Paper, Saints have begun preparations for the potential departure of David Ribbans, an England international player.
Northampton Saints player David Ribbans during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs on the fourth weekend of the Return to Rugby campaign as rugby continues after COVID 19 lockdown at Franklins Gardens Stadium on 04 Sep. Photo: Steve Bond/PPAUK/Gallagher
They are currently exploring options for top-level locks to potentially acquire in the upcoming summer.
Ribbans, a 27-year-old player born in South Africa, has earned four caps for the England national team since his debut against Argentina in November and has a clause in his contract with the Saints that allows him to leave the team this year.
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