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Noel McNamara extending with Bordeaux until 2029. Really someone we should be looking to get back for Ireland or a province. Has done excellent work anywhere he's gone.
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Reckon that's pretty shrewd from UBB. Leinster might very well have come sniffing if he wins in three weeks. He'd be my preference of Leknster coach regardless of the result in three weeks tbh.
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Blue Bulls just announced seven signings for next year:
Curwin Bosch (Brive) - Flyhalf - 28
Thaakir Abrahams (Munster) - Wing - 27
Luan Giliomee (Sharks) - Fullback - 19
Mawande Mdanda (Sharks) - Prop - 23
Dylan Maart (Griquas) - Wing - 29
Hakeem Kunene (Sharks) - Fullback - 23
Sango Xamlashe (Pumas) - Outside Centre - 27
Bosch I guess makes some sense in that the Bulls don't have the most depth at flyhalf (they seem to play Willie there a fair bit) - But I wouldn't say Bosch is the most inspiring.
Abrahams I have always liked and from what I saw seemed to have a decent stint at Munster... but they've also signed Dylan Maart at wing and also have Canan Moodie, Sergeal Petersen, Cheswill Jooste and Sebastian de Klerk... I know KLA is leaving but these feels like there is enough wing cover.
More fullback cover makes sense, right now it is Willie and then maybe Devon Williams. Getting two up and coming players from the Sharks is an interesting one and does raise questions about the development track at the Sharks that what should be one of their key development players is leaving (Giliomee). Xamlashe I guess is more centre depth with Kriel leaving, same with Mdanda covering Wilco Louw leaving.
Edit: I've just seen an article that called Abrahams' stint at Munster as underwhelming so maybe I just caught his few good games... or maybe he was just injured all the time?
Curwin Bosch (Brive) - Flyhalf - 28
Thaakir Abrahams (Munster) - Wing - 27
Luan Giliomee (Sharks) - Fullback - 19
Mawande Mdanda (Sharks) - Prop - 23
Dylan Maart (Griquas) - Wing - 29
Hakeem Kunene (Sharks) - Fullback - 23
Sango Xamlashe (Pumas) - Outside Centre - 27
Bosch I guess makes some sense in that the Bulls don't have the most depth at flyhalf (they seem to play Willie there a fair bit) - But I wouldn't say Bosch is the most inspiring.
Abrahams I have always liked and from what I saw seemed to have a decent stint at Munster... but they've also signed Dylan Maart at wing and also have Canan Moodie, Sergeal Petersen, Cheswill Jooste and Sebastian de Klerk... I know KLA is leaving but these feels like there is enough wing cover.
More fullback cover makes sense, right now it is Willie and then maybe Devon Williams. Getting two up and coming players from the Sharks is an interesting one and does raise questions about the development track at the Sharks that what should be one of their key development players is leaving (Giliomee). Xamlashe I guess is more centre depth with Kriel leaving, same with Mdanda covering Wilco Louw leaving.
Edit: I've just seen an article that called Abrahams' stint at Munster as underwhelming so maybe I just caught his few good games... or maybe he was just injured all the time?
You guys dont deserve Hanro Liebenberg
I hate the bulls
I hate the bulls
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I'm not one of them. I support the Stormers. For context this is the equivalent of me suggesting that you are a Saints fan
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Brian Moore retiring from the commentary box.
One of my all time favourite players and also loved him as a commentator - never bland.
Also a strong, long term advocate of the women’s game long before the Red Roses bandwagon.
Player, commentator, solicitor, qualified referee and manicurist. Some career. Happy retirement, Pitbull.
One of my all time favourite players and also loved him as a commentator - never bland.
Also a strong, long term advocate of the women’s game long before the Red Roses bandwagon.
Player, commentator, solicitor, qualified referee and manicurist. Some career. Happy retirement, Pitbull.
Saints sign Italy under 20s really highly rated winger. Supposed to be proper rapid.
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John McKee ---> Scarlets
Very solid signing for them. With the glut talent we have at hooker I'm not surprised we couldn't keep him. Don't see him being a top international but think Connacht or Mumster probably missed a trick.
Very solid signing for them. With the glut talent we have at hooker I'm not surprised we couldn't keep him. Don't see him being a top international but think Connacht or Mumster probably missed a trick.
Interesting...
Our real talented young England U20 scrum half is off to Christchurch in New Zealand as part of a new "partnership" Canterbury Football Club. That could really be good for him.
" Newcastle RedBulls & CFC join forces
We are excited to have Newcastle RedBulls and England u20's halfback Joe Davis join CFC. Joe marks the start of an exciting new relationship with Newcastle and CFC.
Please join us in welcoming Joe to CFC "
Our real talented young England U20 scrum half is off to Christchurch in New Zealand as part of a new "partnership" Canterbury Football Club. That could really be good for him.
" Newcastle RedBulls & CFC join forces
We are excited to have Newcastle RedBulls and England u20's halfback Joe Davis join CFC. Joe marks the start of an exciting new relationship with Newcastle and CFC.
Please join us in welcoming Joe to CFC "
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https://www.salesharks.com/2026/05/19/sharks-confirm-departing-players-3/
Bloody hell, bit of a list considering how crap our depth is already - losing three 9s and yet to sign a new one
Guessing Wootton will follow his brother's footsteps in heading to the Emerald Isle
Bloody hell, bit of a list considering how crap our depth is already - losing three 9s and yet to sign a new one
Guessing Wootton will follow his brother's footsteps in heading to the Emerald Isle
Leicester tigers announcing their u18 grads
Oscar Talbot (Fly half, Rugby School), Fin Charles (Second Row, Denstone College), Kwame Bekoe (Second Row, Norwich School), Henry Johnson (Back Row, Oakham School), Ollie Myall (Centre, City of Oxford College), James Townsend (Scrum Half, Warwick School) have all agreed senior academy deals with the club, with more players to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Henry Johnson and Oscar Talbot are the pick of the group from what I heard
Also interesting thr club has said
The club will announce additional members of the wider Senior Academy group in the coming weeks, along with an exciting announcement around the playing programme for the U23 side in the 2026/27 season.
I have heard we are trying to set up a proper U23 team and trying to get quite a lot of friendlies set up as opposed to dual reg them all
Oscar Talbot (Fly half, Rugby School), Fin Charles (Second Row, Denstone College), Kwame Bekoe (Second Row, Norwich School), Henry Johnson (Back Row, Oakham School), Ollie Myall (Centre, City of Oxford College), James Townsend (Scrum Half, Warwick School) have all agreed senior academy deals with the club, with more players to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Henry Johnson and Oscar Talbot are the pick of the group from what I heard
Also interesting thr club has said
The club will announce additional members of the wider Senior Academy group in the coming weeks, along with an exciting announcement around the playing programme for the U23 side in the 2026/27 season.
I have heard we are trying to set up a proper U23 team and trying to get quite a lot of friendlies set up as opposed to dual reg them all
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Xavier Roe confirmed:
https://www.salesharks.com/2026/05/20/sharks-agree-roe-deal/
https://www.salesharks.com/2026/05/20/sharks-agree-roe-deal/
davten
Academy Player
Newcastle Red Bulls have announced their senior academy intake for the 2026-27 season.
A total of seven players will join the club on full-time rookie contracts, with Jake Dalziel (fly-half), Charlie Dinneen (fly-half/full-back), Will Graham (hooker), Harry Hawkins (wing/centre), Euan Oakes (back row), Nathan Rickerby (prop) and Alfie Warwick (wing) all signing up.
In addition, Oliver Ashton (centre) and Jack Nesbitt (hooker) will join on university scholar agreements, while Charlie Evans (back row) and Oliver Green (centre) will arrive on a summer trial basis.
A total of seven players will join the club on full-time rookie contracts, with Jake Dalziel (fly-half), Charlie Dinneen (fly-half/full-back), Will Graham (hooker), Harry Hawkins (wing/centre), Euan Oakes (back row), Nathan Rickerby (prop) and Alfie Warwick (wing) all signing up.
In addition, Oliver Ashton (centre) and Jack Nesbitt (hooker) will join on university scholar agreements, while Charlie Evans (back row) and Oliver Green (centre) will arrive on a summer trial basis.
Im REALLY happy with this years intake to compliment last years intake aswell. Dalziel looks the big signing from the current Scottish U20 side...but some others with very good potential.
Falcons DEPARTING PLAYERS:
Eduardo Bello, Tim Cardall, Boeta Chamberlain, Jamie Clark, Max Clark, Freddie Clarke, Stefan Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, Seb de Chaves, Jack Dickens, Connor Doherty, Bryn Gordon, Tom Gordon, Joel Grayson, Callum Hancock, Connor Hancock, John Hawkins, Ben Healy, Jamie Hodgson, Fergus Lee-Warner, Freddie Lockwood, Amanaki Mafi, Cameron Neild, Junior Newton, Elliott Obatoyinbo, Sam Stuart.
Eduardo Bello, Tim Cardall, Boeta Chamberlain, Jamie Clark, Max Clark, Freddie Clarke, Stefan Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, Seb de Chaves, Jack Dickens, Connor Doherty, Bryn Gordon, Tom Gordon, Joel Grayson, Callum Hancock, Connor Hancock, John Hawkins, Ben Healy, Jamie Hodgson, Fergus Lee-Warner, Freddie Lockwood, Amanaki Mafi, Cameron Neild, Junior Newton, Elliott Obatoyinbo, Sam Stuart.
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Kolbe confirmed for Stormers
South African teams will be very strong in URC next year you feel.
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Bristol Bears confirm departures;
Senior squad:
Rich Lane (69 apps)
James Dun (68 apps)
Joe Jenkins (32 apps)
Santiago Grondona (31 apps)
Ben Elizalde (27 apps)
Sam Grahamslaw (24 apps)
Sam Wolstenholme (20 apps)
Steele Barker (10 apps)
Will Capon (99 apps)
Senior Academy players:
Toby Baker (3 apps)
Raff Weston (2 apps)
John Edwards (4 apps)
Senior squad:
Rich Lane (69 apps)
James Dun (68 apps)
Joe Jenkins (32 apps)
Santiago Grondona (31 apps)
Ben Elizalde (27 apps)
Sam Grahamslaw (24 apps)
Sam Wolstenholme (20 apps)
Steele Barker (10 apps)
Will Capon (99 apps)
Senior Academy players:
Toby Baker (3 apps)
Raff Weston (2 apps)
John Edwards (4 apps)
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Confirmed incoming in so far;
Sol Moody (Hooker)
Ethan Staddon (Back row)
Khalik Kareem (Back row)
Louie Sinclair (Outside half)
Tobi Wilson (Full back)
Sol Moody (Hooker)
Ethan Staddon (Back row)
Khalik Kareem (Back row)
Louie Sinclair (Outside half)
Tobi Wilson (Full back)
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I see AJ has signed a 1yr extension at Bristol - really happy for him, genuinely thought that achilles(?) injury was going to be the end of his playing career considering how many injuries he's had layered up over the years
Grondona Is a big loss
Fineanganofo move to Red Bulls is being cut by NZRFU Ooof that's rough
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Yeah, that was an absolute shock as no rumours or early warnings and his brother signed an extension/new contract a while back.
Him and Jenkins the biggest losses. The latter probably more upsetting in some ways as he was largely considered the hone-grown future at centre. Moroni has been great but I think most would chose to keep Jenkins over offering the new contract. Money talks and Leicester have it. At least Ivanishvilli has that dog about him in the row, plus Ben G and two new signings there which both come with a lot of potential. Will need a Bill Mata type replacement in a year or so but that's a problem for them. The trend being a lot of academy/Bris developed that we are losing this season is something of a red flag given the switch to one of the lowest playing budgets in the competition and allegedly focusing on bringing talent through.
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Louie Johnson leaving Saracens but destinatin
Knew that was coming.
Basham would be a good signing for someone imo he should go back to Falcons
Alemanno also will be a good pick up for someone
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Gototvtsez has been good when I've seen him, too - maybe a victim of sides caring more about EQP numbers these days?
Probably wouldn't be a starter at a top side and sides want more EQP players as their depth cover
Edit: Just realised Byrne isn't on there hahaha - there were very strong rumours of a move to France, maybe they watched his season highlights and turned tail. Probably best for him to just waste away at Gloucester tbf, no one will pay him as much as they are atm after how he's played
Probably wouldn't be a starter at a top side and sides want more EQP players as their depth cover
Edit: Just realised Byrne isn't on there hahaha - there were very strong rumours of a move to France, maybe they watched his season highlights and turned tail. Probably best for him to just waste away at Gloucester tbf, no one will pay him as much as they are atm after how he's played
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Bath's departures, Seniors:
https://www.bathrugby.com/content/confirmation-of-this-years-senior-leavers
6* out, 2 in
Academy:
https://www.bathrugby.com/content/academy-departures-2025-26
4* out
* surprised the Sam Harris was considered academy - injury really has ruined his development.
Mind you, I guess that's balanced by considering Chris Harris a senior departure, rather than an injury dispensation that's ended.
Van Wyk replaced by Jamie Bhatti - is probably pretty neutral (a slight downgrade based on form at Bath)
Barbeary replaced by Dan Du Preez - is probably a slight downgrade
Thomas DuToit, Will Butt, Ethan Staddon, Chris/Sam Harris all unreplaced
Du Toit will be a huge miss - especially if Will Stuart takes time to return to full fitness&form - the "bomb squad" (blech) was essentially him and a couple of backrowers coming on - and has been massively neutered since he's been needing to start.
Butt, Staddon, CHarris were simply in areas of congestion in the squad, SHarris a victim of injuries and the emergence of Donoghue (who also accounted for Bailey last year)
https://www.bathrugby.com/content/confirmation-of-this-years-senior-leavers
6* out, 2 in
Academy:
https://www.bathrugby.com/content/academy-departures-2025-26
4* out
* surprised the Sam Harris was considered academy - injury really has ruined his development.
Mind you, I guess that's balanced by considering Chris Harris a senior departure, rather than an injury dispensation that's ended.
Van Wyk replaced by Jamie Bhatti - is probably pretty neutral (a slight downgrade based on form at Bath)
Barbeary replaced by Dan Du Preez - is probably a slight downgrade
Thomas DuToit, Will Butt, Ethan Staddon, Chris/Sam Harris all unreplaced
Du Toit will be a huge miss - especially if Will Stuart takes time to return to full fitness&form - the "bomb squad" (blech) was essentially him and a couple of backrowers coming on - and has been massively neutered since he's been needing to start.
Butt, Staddon, CHarris were simply in areas of congestion in the squad, SHarris a victim of injuries and the emergence of Donoghue (who also accounted for Bailey last year)
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