TRANSFER TRACKER: Saints appoint Pienaar as scrum coach

Premiership outfit Northampton Saints confirmed on Monday that Jaco Pienaar has been appointed as the side’s new scrum coach.

Pienaar enjoyed coaching stints in South Africa and Japan. His journey started with the Leopards and later the Bulls at Under-19 level in 2015.

He also took the Tuks Young Guns outfit under his wing.

He also had a stint with the Sharks at Super Rugby level in 2017 for four years before moving to Japan where he had stints with Green Rockets and Sungoliath.

We are delighted to confirm that Jaco Pienaar has been appointed as the Club’s new Scrum Coach 💪https://t.co/bDFn3FWBSj pic.twitter.com/y741SJQoW6

— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) June 9, 2025

In other transfer news:

• Griquas confirmed the departure of five players: Sako Makata (Stormers), Marcqiewn Titus (Boland Cavaliers), Junior Banda (Pumas), Dylan Sjoblom (Lions), and Thabo Ndimande (Worcester Warriors)
• It is rumoured that former Wallaby James O’Connor will join Leicester Tigers next season.
• Zebre have secured the signature of Colorno winger Albert Einstein Batista for the 2025/26 season. Batista is a former Italy U20 international and has also played in Rugby Europe events for the Italian Sevens team.
• Ngani Laumape has signed a two-year deal with Super Rugby Pacific’s rising powerhouse, Moana Pasifika.
• Caleb Clarke has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR), Auckland and the Blues through to the end of 2027.
• The Highlanders have announced the re-signing of two exciting young talents, Te Kamaka Howden and Veveni Lasaqa, securing their futures with the club through 2026 and 2027, respectively.
• Gloucester announced the arrival of backline player Rob Russell from Leinster.
• Exeter have signed Black Ferns tighthead prop Amy Rule to join the club following the culmination of the 2025 World Cup.
• Sale Sharks have announced the appointment of former Italy international forward Marco Bortolami as the club’s new head coach.
• Former Scotland Sevens internationals Scott Forrest and Roddy Grant have joined Glasgow Warriors’ coaching team ahead of next season, following the departure of defence coach Pete Murchie.
• Mihlali Mosi returns to the Cheetahs after a stint at the Bulls.
• Shimlas captain Thabang Mahlasi is set to add depth to the back row of the Cheetahs, while tighthead Frankie Dos Reis will be a strong asset in the front row.
• The electrifying fullback Cohen Jasper will extend his stay at the Cheetahs. Jasper is joined by Ali Mgijima, Raegan Oranje, and Pierre Raymond Uys, who all decided to commit their future to the Bloemfontein franchise.