Transfer Wrap: Sharks land big names, Barrett heads to Leinster

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With the July international season over, it’s time to take a look at some of the high-profile signings.

The new season of  Top 14, United Rugby Championship and Premiership kicks won’t be short of any drama.

And to add to that there are a couple of interesting transfers which occurred ahead of the respective seasons.

Given that we are in South Africa let’s start with the URC.

The South African franchises have been busy during the transfer window, with Bulls bringing Sale Sharks’ Cobus Wiese back to South Africa, while Springbok Steven Kitshoff returns to Stormers from Ulster.

The biggest moves have come from EPCR Challenge Cup champions Sharks, who will look to make a serious run in the Champions Cup this year. Lions duo Emmanuel Tshituka and Jordan Hendrikse will join their brothers Vincent and Jaydon at the Sharks, while Trevor Nyakane and  Champions Cup 2023/24 team of the season member Andre Esterhuizen are also confirmed to join.

Another big name is Jason Jenkins, who joins the Durban-based franchise from Leinster.

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In Ireland, Leinster pulled a massive coup and sniped RG Snyman from rivals Munster while, in one of the moves of the season, New Zealand international Jordie Barrett will join in December until the end of the season.

Munster have added fullback Thaakir Abrahams from Lyon to their squad, with flyhalf Billy Burns moving down from Ulster to Thomond Park.

In turn, Ulster have added young New Zealander Aidan Morgan, but their biggest signing is Werner Kok who joins from Sharks. Two-time New Zealand international Josh Ioane could prove a shrewd pick-up by Connacht.

URC winners Glasgow Warriors have reinforced their options at flyhalf with the arrival of former Gloucester player Adam Hastings, who started in the No.10 shirt in the quarterfinal, semifinal and Final of the English club’s EPCR Challenge Cup campaign last season.

Cardiff and Ospreys have likewise reinforced at flyhalf, both with Welsh internationals as Callum Sheedy heads to the capital club and Kieran Hardy leaves Scarlets for Ospreys.

Ahead of their first campaign in EPCR’s elite competition since 2020, Benetton have drafted in Italy international Louis Lynagh from Harlequins. He has already made an impact on the national team, having scored on his debut against Scotland in Rome.

In the Top 14, The French top-flight has attracted several big names in recent years, and this season is no different.

The biggest transfer, perhaps in any league this season, is surely Owen Farrell joining Racing 92. The three-time winner of EPCR’s elite competition and the Champions Cup’s second-highest points scorer of all time will look to help his new club finally to earn a first title.

Racing 92 also scooped up Stormers’ superstar Hacjivah Dayimani, handing him a two-year contract.

Other players heading to France include Manu Tuilagi to Aviron Bayonnais, Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam to RC Toulon and Mako Vunipola to newly-promoted RC Vannes.

Former Scotland international Stuart Hogg has come out of retirement to join Montpellier Hérault while Antoine Frisch – now a France international – has joined RC Toulon from Munster.

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Perhaps the biggest Premiership signing so far is Fijian captain Waisea Nayacalevu, who joins Sale Sharks from RC Toulon in a major boost to their squad.

Wing Christian Wade returns to England from Racing 92, joining Gloucester.

Ross Molony has left Leinster to reinforce the Bath pack, while Bristol Bears have added Fijian international No.8 Vilaime Mata. Two internationals will also join Leicester Tigers, who add Ospreys prop Nicky Smith and Australian centre Izaia Perese.

The 24-year-old flyhalf Fergus Burke has joined Saracens from Crusaders as they look to adapt to the post-Farrell era.

Source: Champions Cup