Weekly transfer update: Farrell and a Saffa on the move

Owen Farrell heads up the latest transfer news, and a South African prop’s journey in France has ended.

Farrell is reportedly set to quit Racing 92 and make a shock return to England, with a move into coaching on the cards.

The flyhalf joined the French giants on a mega-money two-year deal last summer, having decided to quit English rugby altogether after walking away from international rugby to protect his mental well-being.

According to L’Equipe, Farrell is now set to return to Saracens, where he spent 16 years before leaving for France last summer.

The report adds that the 33-year-old is looking to take up a player-coach role at the Premiership side in a move that would see him follow in the footsteps of his dad, Ireland and Lions coach Andy Farrell.

The former England captain is currently sidelined with a concussion and has also been plagued by groin and knee issues throughout his first campaign in the Top 14.

At the same time, his decision to quit Racing a year early has also reportedly been influenced by the mid-season sacking of Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster.

In other transfer news:

• In France, Oli Kebble’s time at Oyonnax has ended, but the journey isn’t over yet. Whether it’s a Pro D2 club or Japan, Kebble’s next move could define the tail end of his career.
• Timoci Tavatavanawai and Fabian Holland have extended their contracts with the Highlanders. The former will remain until 2027, and the latter will commit to 2028.
• Wallabies centre Josh Flook has re-committed to the Reds for another Super Rugby Pacific season, putting pen to paper on a one-year contract extension with the Queensland Rugby Union.
• James Slipper stands on the cusp of history, signing a headline-grabbing contract extension with the Brumbies for the 2026 season.
• Leicester Tigers have signed former Cardiff flyer Gabriel Hamer-Webb.
• Alex Lozowski has opted to extend his stay with Saracens, where he’s quietly inching toward a 200-cap milestone.
• Behind the scenes, Worcester Warriors boss Matt Everard isn’t slowing down. He’s added Jake Garside and Tim Hoyt to his growing Championship roster.
• Things are less stable at Exeter Chiefs, where the departure list now includes major coaches and might soon grow longer. Haydn Thomas, the club’s attack and kicking coach, is reportedly on Leicester’s radar.
• James O’Connor is on the hunt for one more contract. At 34, he’s not just surviving; he’s standing out for the Crusaders, albeit in limited appearances. Offers from Europe and Japan are on the table, but surprisingly, nothing concrete has come from Australia. A return to Super Rugby might not be on the cards.
• Harlequins have confirmed the signing of scrumhalf Stu Townsend ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
• Toulon’s Fijian international winger Jiuta Wainiqolo has signed a three-year contract with Lyon that will run until 2028, the Top 14 club announced on Tuesday.
• Wallabies backrower Seru Uru is the latest member of the Reds squad who has put pen to paper on a fresh deal for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, signing a one-year contract extension with the Queensland side.
• Kyle Rowe has his sights set on achieving more success for both club and country, after the 27-year-old put pen to paper on a contract extension that will see him remain at Glasgow Warriors until at least 2027.
• Bath has confirmed that Ruaridh McConnochie (retiring) and Louis Schreuder will be bringing their playing careers at the club to a close at the end of this current 2024-25 season.
• The Highlanders have announced that explosive outside backs Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens have re-signed with the club through to the end of the 2028 Super Rugby Pacific season.
• Former All Black prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen has been re-signed for 2026 to keep channelling his top-level forward play and experience into the Queensland Reds.
• Patrick Tuipulotu has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Blues and Auckland until the end of 2028.
• Worcester Warriors have signed Leicester Tigers hooker Archie Vanes ahead of next season.
• Bath have announced the signing of centre Chris Harris from Gloucester on a one-year deal.
• Worcester Warriors have signed Uruguay sevens international Juan Gonzalez ahead of next season.
• Wales centre Johnny Williams has signed a new two-year deal to stay at Scarlets.