Rugby Transfer Round-Up: Faf de Klerk, Cunningham-South, Lions star & more
Rugby NewsFriday, 19 September 2025 at 21:33
It’s been a busy week in the transfer market with moves and rumours flying across Europe and South Africa. From World Cup winners being lined up in France to English prospects attracting Premiership suitors, here’s your full wrap-up.
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?? Faf de Klerk
Double World Cup-winning scrum-half Faf de Klerk is being lined up by a Top 14 side, according to Planet Rugby. The 33-year-old has featured just once for the Springboks this year and was only drafted in as injury cover during the Rugby Championship.
? Stefan Coetzee
South African full-back Stefan Coetzee has signed a one-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls. The 27-year-old shone for the Pumas in the Currie Cup, winning Player of the Season, and now heads to the Premiership.
? Stormers’ front row boost
The Stormers have reinforced their front row for 2025/26:
- Oli Kebble (loosehead) returns after stints abroad.
- Hencus van Wyk (tighthead) joins for extra depth.
- Schoolboy talents Jordan Jooste (Paarl Boys) & Joseph Udo Idung (DHS) commit their futures.
?? Jordan Petaia
Australia wing Jordan Petaia has wasted no time making his mark at new club Perpignan after dropping out of the International Players Pathway for the NFL. The 25-year-old, capped 31 times by the Wallabies, landed at Barcelona airport on September 19 before heading straight to Aimé-Giral to meet his new teammates at training.
? Chandler Cunningham-South
Sale Sharks are circling England back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South as he enters the final year of his Harlequins deal, reports RugbyPass. Despite consistent England squad selections, the 22-year-old has yet to secure an Elite Player Squad upgrade.
? Ben White
Scotland and Lions scrum-half Ben White is set to be one of Europe’s hottest properties. With his Toulon contract up at season’s end, RugbyPass links him with Perpignan, Saracens, Edinburgh, and R360—though Toulon want him to stay.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Brian O’Driscoll Named Five Players he ‘Hated’ on the Pitch
- Inside the Springboks’ WAGs — and Siya Kolisi’s Relationship Status
- Antoine Dupont named his three toughest opponents, didn’t choose any Irish or Scots
- England star Ellis Genge defends teammate on social media
- England legend Mike Brown gets first coaching role
2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough pool
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is set to be a landmark tournament, expanding to 24 teams and hosted by Australia from October 1 to November 13, 2027.
The official pool draw is scheduled for December 2025, but based on current World Rugby rankings, here's a predicted breakdown of the pools and profiles of the teams involved.
Pool A
New Zealand – The Mighty All Blacks
The All Blacks are perennial powerhouses with three World Cup titles (1987, 2011, 2015). They reached the final in 2023 but were narrowly defeated by South Africa 12–11.
Argentina – Los Pumas on the Prowl
Los Pumas are known for their physical play and passionate fan base, consistently challenging top-tier teams.
Portugal – The Lusitanian Lancers
Emerging as a strong contender, Portugal has been improving steadily, surprising bigger nations with their grit.
USA – The Eagle Soars
The Eagles are steadily developing their rugby program, with increasing participation and performance levels.
Pool B
Ireland – The Emerald Warriors
Ireland boasts a rich rugby history and a strong domestic league, making them a formidable opponent in any pool.
Scotland – The Braveheart Tacklers
Scotland is known for tactical play and resilience, consistently challenging the sport's elite.
Uruguay – Los Teros Tenacious
Uruguay has grown significantly in international rugby, showcasing strong defense and spirited play.
Chile – The Rugby Condors
Chile is making strides, with a growing domestic scene and increasing international experience.
Pool C
South Africa – The Springbok Stalwarts
South Africa are masters of forward play and history-makers, winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a thrilling 12–11 victory over New Zealand.
Fiji – The Flying Fijians
Fiji’s flair and skill make them exciting to watch, blending tradition with dynamic attacking rugby.
Tonga – The Island Titans
Tonga brings relentless physicality and passion, often punching above their weight.
Romania – The Oak Strongmen
Romania has a long-standing rugby tradition, emphasizing forward dominance and set-piece strength.
Pool D
France – Les Bleus Unleashed
France is unpredictable and dynamic, capable of taking down any team with flair and creativity.
Italy – The Azzurri Avengers
Italy has steadily improved, developing young talent and focusing on competitive consistency.
Spain – The Iberian Bulls
Spain is emerging in European rugby, combining speed, skill, and growing experience on the international stage.
Hong Kong China – The Dragon Chargers
Hong Kong China qualified for the first time by winning the 2025 Asia Rugby Championship, defeating South Korea 70–22 in the final. This marks a significant milestone for rugby in Asia.
Pool E
England – The Red Rose Rampagers
England has a rich rugby heritage, with a strong domestic league and impressive international pedigree.
Georgia – The Scrum Kings
Known for their formidable scrum and forward play, Georgia is a rising force in European rugby.
Samoa – The Island Hurricanes
Samoa’s team combines skill, physicality, and a passionate rugby culture.
Canada – The Maple Warriors
Canada continues to develop their program, aiming to compete strongly on the world stage.
Pool F
Australia – The Wallabies on Home Turf
The host nation brings talent and experience, ready to dazzle crowds across seven cities.
Wales – The Dragon Fire
Wales is known for passionate supporters and a team that often exceeds expectations.
Japan – The Rising Sun Speedsters
Japan has become a force with speed, discipline, and memorable performances in previous World Cups.
Zimbabwe – The Sables’ Return
Zimbabwe qualified for 2027 by defeating Namibia 30–28 in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1991.
Tournament Format
The 24-team format features a pool stage followed by knockout rounds, including a Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and Final.
Host Cities
Matches will take place across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, and Townsville.
Ticketing
Over 2.5 million tickets will be available, with travel packages launching in 2026.
QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men’s Rugby World Cups?
Think you know your rugby history? Test your knowledge and see if you can name all 26 teams that have played at the Men's Rugby World Cup.
You've got just 5 minutes on the clock – no pressure!
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