Transfers News: Taulupe Faletau puts an end to speculation

The 76-times capped Welsh forward, who had been linked with a move to France or a return to Wales, has accepted a 25% pay-cut to remain with the black, blue and whites.

One of the most exciting back row players in the world game, the 29-year-old starred for Wales throughout their impressive 2015 Rugby World campaign and narrowly missed the 2019 Rugby World Cup due to injury.

He also toured Australia and New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017, playing in the series clinching final Test in Sydney and all three tests against the All Blacks.

Faletau is an outstanding ball-carrier who consistently beats the first line of defence with his quick feet and dominance with ball in hand.

Did you know? He became the first Pacific Islander to play for Wales in 2011 against the Barbarians.

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England, who fast-tracked Burgess into their World Cup squad in defiance of logic, Bath and the player himself each shoulder varying degrees of blame for arguably the greatest cross-code flop in history. We're not saying he was an awful player, but the whole thing was a complete disaster.

He became the first player to represent Great Britain in Rugby League and England in Union. His move to union was part funded by the RFU, who were embarking on a strategy of converting some of leagues best talent. However, Mather struggled to make an impact with Sale and moved back to Castleford in 2000. In spite of his poor form with Sale, Clive Woodward gave Mather his debut against Wales in the famous Grand Slam decider in 1999. However, Mather never played for England again after Wales won the game 32-31, following Scott Gibbs’ superb try.

Following his cross-code switch, the Volcano’ stormed onto the scene for Gloucester, doing something ridiculous like scoring five tries on his debut against Leeds, before qualifying for England on residency grounds. International honours followed, with Vainikolo making his England debut against Wales in 2008. However, he failed to bring his try-scoring form to the international scene and was quickly dropped from Martin Johnston’s squad after winning five caps.

Tomkins began his League career with Wigan in 2005 and outside of a short stint with the Widnes Vikings in 2007, played with the Warriors until moving to Saracens in 2011. While Tomkins initially struggled to adapt to union, but his form during the beginning of the 2013/14 season saw him earn an England cap against Australia in November 2013. Although he went on to make two further international appearances, he looked completely out of his depth and returned to league soon after.