Rugby transfer round-up: Cheslin Kolbe, Louis Rees-Zammit, Maro Itoje

Wednesday, 08 October 2025 at 07:35

byRugby Rucker

suggest Gregor Townsend has begun spearheading recruitment for the Newcastle Red Bulls as he looks to strengthen the squad for next season and beyond.

The rugby transfer round-up is buzzing this week, with major names making headlines across the globe.

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Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe could be set for an emotional return to Cape Town as part of the Stormers’ ambitious ‘Project 2029’, while Louis Rees-Zammit’s comeback to union has taken another twist amid reports of interest from the emerging R360 league.

Elsewhere, speculation around Maro Itoje’s next steps — both on and off the field — adds intrigue to a shifting landscape, as clubs and players alike prepare for a pivotal 2025 season.

Check out below the latest rugby transfer round-up.

Hometime for Cheslin Kolbe

The Stormers have expressed an interest in bringing Springboks hero Cheslin Kolbe back to Cape Town as part of their ‘Project 2029’.

The 31-year-old began his career at Western Province and then represented the Stormers for four years between 2013 and 2017.

Louis Rees-Zammit set to depart Bristol Bears already

Louis Rees-Zammit has returned to rugby with a bang, scoring a spectacular try on his debut for Bristol Bears after signing a one-year deal following an 18-month NFL adventure.

Yet, the winger’s stay at Ashton Gate could be far shorter than fans hope — with reports confirming he is a prime target for lucrative approaches from the emerging R360 rugby league.

Rees-Zammit’s journey away from union began in March 2024 when he joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He featured for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars before deciding to return to his roots.

Bristol secured his signature for the 2025/26 season, and the former Wales international wasted no time in making an impact, racing in a 60-metre try in the Bears’ victory over Leicester Tigers last weekend .

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Former England coach joins Bath

Bath Rugby has confirmed the immediate appointment of Martin Gleeson as the club’s new Backs and Attack Coach.

Gleeson joins the Blue, Black and White with a wealth of experience, most recently serving as Assistant Coach at Warrington Wolves in the Super League.

A former rugby league international who represented both Great Britain and England, Gleeson has also enjoyed coaching spells in rugby union with Wasps and England’s senior men’s team under Eddie Jones.

Bath’s Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, welcomed the addition to his coaching staff:

“We are excited that Martin has joined our journey and we are looking forward to what he will add to this team of ours.”

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Chandler Cunningham-South to quit Harlequins for Gallagher Prem rival

Sale Sharks are reportedly considering another raid on Harlequins following the close-season signing of Nathan Jibulu, with England forward Chandler Cunningham-South now in their sights — a rumour first reported by The Rugby Paper.

ibulu has made a storming start to life in the north-west, scoring tries in his first two matches. Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, sees the powerful Cunningham-South as another player to help the Sharks achieve carry dominance.

“I have not spoken to him yet,” said Sanderson. Key word being YET.

Cunningham-South, 22, was born in Sidcup, England, and moved to New

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“Very attractive” – England captain Maro Itoje considering surprise move

England and Saracens star Maro Itoje has revealed that he’s considering a move into politics once his glittering rugby career comes to an end.

The British & Irish Lions skipper, who led the tourists to a 2–1 series win over Australia this summer, has already captained club and country and earned 93 caps for England — but he’s now thinking far beyond the pitch.

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Big names are Newcastle Red Bulls-bound

Rumours from The Telegraph

The Scotland head coach, who is balancing his national duties with his new advisory role at Newcastle, is said to have made a brief visit to Kingston Park on Monday as part of an early scouting mission.

Townsend, 52, remains under contract with Scotland until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but is reportedly assessing players whose deals expire in 2026 and 2027.

New sporting director Neil McIlroy, appointed following Steve Diamond’s departure last week, will also play a key role in reshaping the squad.

FULL STORY:

Du Preez to Leave Sale at End of 2025/26 Season

Sale Sharks have confirmed that long-serving playmaker Rob du Preez will call time on his spell in Manchester at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, with the South African set to pursue a move overseas.

The 32-year-old, who can operate at fly-half or centre, has been a mainstay for the northern outfit since arriving on loan in 2018, before making the switch permanent.

A true club legend, du Preez has made over 160 appearances for the Sharks and holds the Premiership record for most consecutive starts, an astonishing 76 matches in a row.

One of the most consistent and influential performers in English rugby, du Preez will depart the AJ Bell Stadium having left a lasting legacy both on and off the field.

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