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According to MidiOl, former England and Saracens number 8 Billy Vunipola could be leaving Top 14 side Montpellier after just 2 seasons, and not by choice. The outlet says his departure would be driven by Montpellier's need to balance the books under France's salary cap - a concept Vunipola will be all too familiar with from his Saracens days.
According to MidiOl, former England and Saracens number 8 Billy Vunipola could be leaving Top 14 side Montpellier after just 2 seasons, and not by choice. The outlet says his departure would be driven by Montpellier's need to balance the books under France's salary cap - a concept Vunipola will be all too familiar with from his Saracens days.
Suitors are said to be up in Newcastle and over in Japan - a destination Vunipola has been linked to previously in the form of a rumoured £800,000 offer from Sungoliath back in 2023. His wage demands will have dropped considerably since his England pomp, could he return to Saracens to fill the void set to be left by Tom WIllis?
Rating: 6/10 - does look set to leave, but we know not where.
Stuart Lancaster's project at Connacht has gotten off to a rough start and the conversations have naturally turned to recruitment. Highly respected Irish pundit Bernard Jackman has floated the idea of the Galway side signing former Ireland, Leinster and Munster utility back Joey Carbery.
Carbery is out of contract at European Champions UBB at the end of this season and has struggled to cement himself in Bordeaux. Jackman argues bringing him to Connacht would boost not only the province but Irish rugby as a whole with his talent, experience and versatility.
Rating: 3/10 - Speculation at this point but you can see the fit.
Clermont are performing strongly in the Top 14 this season having scored more points than any other side in the first 8 rounds. However, it is rumoured that a squad refresh is on the cards next summer and MidiOl write that a new centre is their next area of focus.
They have lead with two names so far: the talented Paul Costes, who be forced to leave Toulouse thanks to the incredible competition for centre spots at the French champions, and 26 year old New Zealander Dallas McLeod who currently plays for the Crusader. He has also just lifted the NPC title with Canterbury, scoring twice in the semi final and once in the final.
Rating: 10/10 - Clermont will sign a centre and their shopping list looks ambitious.
Having just qualified for the rugby World Cup in 2027, Zimbabwe head coach Pieter Bernade has confirmed that the Sables have received expressions of interest from expat players who would be open to pulling on the green and white jersey in Australia. Zimbabwe’s current players are spread across the world from the Top 14 to amateur level at home and they’re always on the look-out for potential new talent.
The coach has his list of targets, many of whom play their rugby in South Africa. Zimbabwe has many famous sons who have represented other nations such as the Beast and David Pocock and they say anyone who wants to join their journey is extremely welcome.
Rating: 5/10 - The challenge for Zimbabwe is finding players willing to give up a shot at a Springbok cap.
A few weeks ago, the Ospreys told assembled fans at a Q&A evening that Jac Morgan had said he will leave Wales if the region were axed by the WRU. The WRU have since confirmed they want to cut a team and it appears to be a shoot-out between the Ospreys and Scarlets over who will go. Whoever is cut, a player exodus from Wales is guaranteed.
Until recently, Morgan had not given any interviews or made any written public statements himself on the topic. He was presented with an opportunity to do so at Wales' press conference on Tuesday where he was asked directly about his future.
Morgan reaffirmed his love for the Ospreys but declined to make any statements beyond that. When pushed by a journalist the WRU press officer was quick to jump in and move the conversation on. Thus, he still has still not made any public statements about his future, despite the fact we know he has had a meeting with Saracens,
Rating: 5/10 - You get the sense that if the Ospreys survive Morgan will stay put