Transfer Round-Up: Alun Wyn Jones and Finn Russell Premiership-bound, Lawes free to leave
Rugby NewsMonday, 19 December 2022 at 19:27
RUCK RUGBY takes a look at all the latest transfer stories with their rugby Transfer Round-Up.
Two England stars commit to Bath
Johann van Graan has convinced England international stars Will Stuart and Sam Underhill to sign contract extensions at Bath Rugby according to the latest reports.
Sam Underhill of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Richard Wigglesworth confirms retirement
Leicester Tigers have appointed Richard Wigglesworth Interim Head Coach after agreeing terms with Steve Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield for an early release from their contracts with the club.
The appointment sees Wigglesworth retire from professional rugby, bringing the on-field career of the English game’s most decorated and accomplished player to a close.
Wigglesworth has made more than 500 senior appearances - including a record 322 Premiership games and 33 Test matches for England - during a more than 20-year professional career.
Richard Wigglesworth of Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Saracens on the first weekend of the Return to Rugby campaign as rugby starts after COVID 19 lockdown at Ashton Gate on 15 Aug. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK/Gallagher
Alun Wyn Jones Premiership-bound
Alun Wyn Jones has been linked with a shock move to the Gallagher Premiership due to the ongoing financial crisis plaguing the Welsh regions.
The Welsh talisman, who has 155 caps for his country, is on a national dual contract (NDC) with the Ospreys which expires next summer.
The WRU want to keep Jones in Wales, as is the case with all their top players.
According to RUCK sources, free-spending Bath, Exeter Chiefs and Saracens are very keen on signing the most-capped international in history.
Courtney Lawes contract situation:
England forward Courtney Lawes has revealed he could leave Northampton Saints at the end of the season
‘My contract is not necessarily up this year, there’s options there,’ he said. ‘At the end of the day, I’ve got to do what’s best for myself and my family.
‘I’d love to stay at Saints, at the same time you’ve got to find what’s best for yourself and your family, like Dan Biggar has done.
‘That’s the most important thing, especially when you’re getting a bit older. I think I’ll probably get one more contract out of myself, then call it a day at the end of that.’
Courtney Lawes of England during the Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on 19 June 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Two depart Leicester
Leicester Tigers have confirmed that Tom Horton and Lachlan Shelley have departed the club.
Horton, who was signed on a short-term contract ahead of the 2022/23 season, made four appearances for the club and scored four tries.
Shelley, who joined in the summer, and the club have agreed an early release from his contract for the outside-back to return to Australia.
Jamie George and Elliot Daly sign contract extensions
The duo, who are mainstays in the starting line-up have committed their futures to the club, and fans can now look forward to seeing them at StoneX Stadium for another spell.
The hooker, who is a club stalwart originally joined the academy as a 14 year old, and has gone on to make 263 appearances for the Men in Black.
The 32-year-old made his debut back in 2009, and has starred on the international stage as well as the club game, with 72 England caps and three British & Irish Lions caps to his name.
Daly, who plays all across the back-line on the wing, in the midfield and at full-back has been at the top of the game for a decade now, with 56 England caps and five British and Irish Lions caps on the international stage.
Finn Russell responds
Racing 92 playmaker Finn Russell has responded to reports that he’s on the verge of signing a seven-figure contract with Bath.
According to reports, the Scotland number 10 will become the highest paid player in the English Premiership if he makes the move to the Rec.
When asked if he’d be joining Bath next season, Russell said: “No, no the weather’s too bad! La Defense Arena is indoors!
“There’s been a lot of chatter around that. Nothing’s been confirmed but there’s a lot of chat around it.”
Leicester want Barrett
The Rugby Paper reported over the weekend that Tigers are pressing ahead with their recruitment plans for next season and are bidding to take Josh Bassett to Welford Road.
Leicester have already agreed on a deal with London Irish flyer Ollie Hassell-Collins.
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