BREAKING: Joe Simmonds the latest player to depart Exeter Chiefs
Transfer RumoursWednesday, 18 January 2023 at 16:41
, Jannes Kirsten and utility back Henry Immelman have both signed for the Vodacom Bulls and are expected to arrive in Pretoria ahead of the 2022-23 season on 1 July.
England fly-half Joe Simmonds has committed to French side Pau for next season, which is a major signing for the Top 14 club.
According to Midi Olympique, he comes to replace Zack Henry, leaving for the Stade Français.
Former England and Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson will also sign contract extension with Pau.
The young fly-half emerged onto the big stage during the 2016/17 season, making his Exeter Chiefs debut in an Anglo-Welsh Cup tie at Harlequins.
Despite his early introduction that evening following an injury to fellow playmaker Will Hooley, Simmonds - the younger of the two brothers at Sandy Park - quickly settled into his role with effortless ease.
Having started the season on dual-registered terms at National League One club Plymouth Albion, he would end the year having helped the Chiefs to reach not only the Anglo-Welsh Cup Final, but also the Aviva Premiership Final.
Despite his tender years, his cool decision-making and nerveless goal-kicking saw him thrust firmly into the Chiefs spotlight during the course of the season, featuring prominently in the Premiership and Champions Cup when regular custodian Gareth Steenson picked up a hamstring injury.
Over time, however, his on-field influence started to grow and with Steenson on hand to offer a helping hand, it wasn't long before he over took the Irishman as the club's lead playmaker.
Indeed, such was his growing influence within the side that in January 2020, Director of Rugby Rob Baxter made Simmonds captain for the Champions Cup trip to Glasgow Warriors. By the end of the disrupted season, he would not only lead the Chiefs into two major finals against Racing 92 and Wasps, but he would lift both cups alongside club captain Jack Yeandle.
That double triumph was rewarded on an even higher scale when Joe Simmonds was given an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.
Rugby Transfer Round-Up: Brodie Retallick, Billy Twelevetrees, Billy Vunipola, Owen Farrell, Callum Chick…
RUCK RUGBY takes a look at all the latest transfer stories with their rugby Transfer Round-Up
.Exeter Chiefs want Callum Chick:
Rob Baxter is keen to sign England number 8 Callum Chick from Newcastle Falcons to replace departing back-rower Sam Simmonds.
Brodie Retallick departs New Zealand:
Star All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick will bow out of test rugby after this year’s World Cup, but has ditched the idea of hanging up the boots completely.
Instead, Stuff has reported that the 31-year-old will re-join Japan club Kobelco Kobe Steelers, where he spent his two-season sabbatical in 2020-21.
Exeter confirm Dave Ewers departure:
Dave Ewers, a long-serving forward for the Exeter Chiefs, has announced he will be leaving the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the current season to join Ulster Rugby of the United Rugby Championship.
Ewers has played 226 games and scored 38 tries for the Chiefs, helping them win the LV= Cup in 2014, two Premiership Rugby titles, and a Heineken Champions Cup crown.
He is the third confirmed departure at the end of the season, following Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Simmonds, who will be joining French Top 14 outfit Montpellier.
Harlequins sign Bristol Bears playmaker:
Scrum-half Will Porter has joined Harlequins for the 2023/24 season.
He comes from Bristol Bears and will join Quins in the summer, adding depth at number nine alongside Danny Care who recently extended his contract with the team.
Porter is a former player of the Wasps academy, and has previously represented England at the U17, U18, and U19 levels.
Billy Vunipola set to depart:
Reports today suggest that Saracens number 8 Billy Vunipola is set to depart the club and country after being dropped by Steve Borthwick ahead of the Six Nations.
According to The Rugby Paper, he is likely going to secure a move to either France or Japan after Saracens announced on Thursday that Tom Willis will join the club for next season.
Double signing to boost Bulls ranks:
The Vodacom Bulls will strengthen their squad by bringing two experienced South Africans back home from the northern hemisphere next season.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport
Owen Farrell committed to rugby union:
A rumour linking England and Saracens fly-half with a more to rugby league side Wigan Warriors was jumpstarted once again last month.
Farrell is thought to be under contract at Saracens until at least 2024, making any return to the North West not imminent.
RUCK sources suggest that Farrell hasn’t completely shut the door on switching codes, but wants to stay at Saracens for the foreseeable future.
He remains committed to England and has the ambition to play for his country once again at the 2027 Rugby World Cup when he will be 35.
Owen Farrell of England takes a penalty kick during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)
Sione Tuipulotu signs on:
The 25-year-old player, who transferred from Yamaha Jubilo in 2021, has become a regular member of the Scotland national team after a successful first 18 months at Scotstoun.
Glasgow has not disclosed the duration of the new contract, which is pending visa approval.
Billy Twelvetrees moving on:
According to The Rugby Paper, Billy Twelvetrees, a legend for the Cherry and Whites, will be joining Ealing Trailfinders next season, along with his clubmate Jordy Reid.
FULL STORY
Saracens snap up Tom Willis:
Saracens have announced the signing of Tom Willis for the 2023/24 season.
The 23-year-old back-row prospect, currently playing for Bordeaux after leaving Wasps, will join the Men in Black on a long-term deal.
Willis, the younger brother of England international Jack, made over 50 appearances for Wasps during his Premiership debut in 2017.
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