Rugby Transfer Round-Up: Stuart Hogg, George Martin, Taulupe Faletau

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Meanwhile, Thomas du Toit is set to head home to South Africa, and uncertainty looms over the future of Welsh rugby with several internationals linked to R360.

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Telegraph Senior Rugby Writer Charlie Morgan has revealed that George Martin, the Leicester Tigers and England powerhouse lock, has emerged as a key target for Sale Sharks as Alex Sanderson continues his bold recruitment push ahead of next season.

Martin’s contract with his boyhood club Leicester Tigers expires at the end of June 2026, and it’s understood that Sale have held early discussions with the 23-year-old over a potential move ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership campaign.

Sources close to the player are said to be “optimistic that the injured Martin has turned a corner with his rehabilitation”and believe he could return to full fitness in due course.

While Leicester have opened talks to keep him in the East Midlands, Sale’s growing interest reflects their intent to strengthen an already formidable pack.

In the coming month, it will become clear whether the Welsh Rugby Union will move forward with plans to slash the country’s professional teams from four to two.

The proposal — born from 18 months of on- and off-field struggles — has already met stiff resistance. But with uncertainty hanging over their futures, 10 Welsh internationals are reportedly lined up to join R360 if the competition launches as planned in 2026.

Former Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg has been left disappointed after hopes of a move back to England — and a possible reunion with former coach Gregor Townsend — was rejected by Newcastle Red Bulls.

RUCK understands that Hogg, currently out of contract with Montpellier next summer, had reached out to contacts in England as he explores options to return closer to his children in Scotland.

However, despite sounding out interest and making tentative approaches, including to Townsend — who recently joined the Red Bulls in an advisory capacity — the club are understood to have decided against offering the 100-cap international a contract.

Versatile back-three star Toby Fricker has made a short-term return to Bristol Bears as injury cover.

The USA international, who previously made 34 appearances for the club, links back up with the squad with immediate effect.

Bath Rugby have confirmed that South African international Thomas du Toit will return to South Africa at the end of the season, rejoining his former club of the Sharks in Durban.

The World Cup-winning prop’s contract with the Blue, Black and White expires next summer, and after two outstanding seasons in England, du Toit has opted to head back to where it all began.

The 29-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving at The Rec in 2023, becoming one of the Gallagher Premiership’s most dominant front-rowers and playing a central role in Bath’s historic 2024/25 treble-winning campaign.

During his time in the West Country, du Toit racked up 21 tries in 52 appearances, earning a nomination for Gallagher Premiership Rugby Player of the Season in 2024. His combination of raw power, mobility and leadership made him a firm fan favourite at The Rec.