This week's transfers round-up
TRANSFER WRAP: The Wallabies received a timely boost ahead of the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour as big name players signed new contracts with their respective Super Rugby franchises.
Waratahs scoop-up Super Rugby winner
Former Crusader and Wallaby Pete Samu has joined the Waratahs alongside fellow Test international Matt Philip ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour and has committed until the end of 2027.
Samu will link up with the Waratahs at the conclusion of Bordeaux’s season in the Top 14.
Samu said: “My family and I are happy to be coming home. We’ve enjoyed our time in France but it’s the right time for us to return to Australia.
“It feels like a full circle moment to come back to Sydney, a place I started my journey to playing professional Rugby and I’m looking forward to linking back up with Dan and the Waratahs who I’m confident are heading in a positive direction.
“I’m also highly motivated by the upcoming events in Australian Rugby and will certainly be working hard to give myself the best chance to be part of them and earn another opportunity in the gold jersey.”
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Western Force retains tackling machine and playmaker’s services
In more good news for the Wallabies, hardman Carlo Tizzano and points machine Ben Donaldson signed a contract extension with the Western Force until the end of 2027.
The bruising loose forward made his Test debut in 2024 and represented the Wallabies on five occasions.
Tizzano said: “I’m excited to be staying in Australian rugby for two more years especially in Perth with the Force.
“I couldn’t see myself playing for any other Super Rugby franchise. To help contribute to this Force team earning more wins and reaching semifinals is something I’m really excited for.
“I’m looking forward to earning more opportunities with the Wallabies. It’s an exciting time in Australian rugby now with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and the home World Cup in 2027 which were two big factors.”
Donaldson who represented the Waratahs on 38 occasions and currently has 25 caps for the Western Force said:
“I’m extremely excited to re-commit to the Western Force and Australian Rugby.
“I’ve been here two years now and loved my time in WA. We’ve got a great group of boys at the Force with the core having signed on for several more years which is exciting about where we can go as a group.
“We have a great culture, which given many of us aren’t originally from here, feels like our family in Perth and that makes us a close-knit unit.
“This season has been disappointing for us, not achieving what we set out to achieve, but there’s been glimpses of what we can do and that all fuels the fire.
“I had a few offers from overseas, but I’m delighted to be staying in Australian rugby with the Lions tour later year as well as the Bledisloe Cup in Perth. There’s obviously also the lure of the home 2027 World Cup, which is extremely motivating.
“I’ve been part of the Wallabies squad in recent times and it’s a strong group with a good coaching unit, so hopefully I continue to be part of that moving forward with those big games and events to come.
“I’d love to take the Force and Australian rugby to high levels and leave it in a better place.”
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Brumbies keep their Toole in Canberra
Australia Sevens speedster Corey Toole has signed a one-year contract extension with the Brumbies.
The 25-year-old winger is the joint second-highest try scorer in this season’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament.
“I’m excited to continue my journey with the Brumbies for another season,” Toole said.
“I’m looking forward to developing my game even further with the help of the other players and coaching staff. I love being a part of the team here and hopefully we can deliver success for our loyal fans in Canberra.”
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Bell answers Ulster’s call
Waratahs and Wallaby prop Angus Bell will swap Super Rugby Pacific for the United Rugby Championship by joining Ulster on a short-term deal.
Bell’s contract with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs runs through the end of 2027, but he has been granted a sabbatical which is an option in his contract.
Bell said: “To play a season for Ulster in the URC will provide me with new experiences and skills which I look forward to bringing back to Australia with me.
“I would like to thank Rugby Australia and the Waratahs for working with me in exploring this unique opportunity.”
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All Black discard extends Crusaders stay
Utility back David Havili has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders until the end of 2027.
Havili is yet to receive a cap under All Black head coach Scott Robertson, with his last feat in a black jersey being in the 2023 World Cup.
In his tenth season with the club, David says there are many reasons why he’s continuing to build on his legacy in the red and black.
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to lead the boys this year and the success we’ve had. I’m so glad to have signed on for another couple of years and keep this train rolling.”
Havili first joined the Crusaders in 2015 and was named Crusaders Player of Year in 2017.
“When I first came in, it was the greats of this club that were still here; Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read just to name a few.
“That’s what set me up in my younger days; to see what it meant to them to be a Crusader, what it takes to be a professional and perform at the highest level.
“Those are the things that I learnt from them, and I want to pass that on to our next generation to keep this club where it needs to be and that’s at the top.”
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Ospreys centre Williams decides playing future
The Ospreys announced that homegrown talent, Keiran “Keith” Williams has signed a new deal to remain with the club.
A product of the Ospreys development pathway and Glynneath RFC, Williams has been a regular feature in the Ospreys starting XV in recent seasons, making 91 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016.
He also made his international debut in Wales’ World Cup 2023 warm-up match against England, after impressing during the club season.
Speaking on his new deal, Williams said: “I’m really happy to be staying with my hometown club. This is where I’ve spent my whole career and I’m looking forward to continuing it with this group.
“The team are playing some great rugby under Mark, and the backs have benefitted from the expansive game we’ve been playing. We’re all excited about pushing on and doing something memorable next season for the supporters.”
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Harlequins sign Scotland hooker
Harlequins announced the signing of hooker George Turner ahead of the 2025-26 Premiership season.
Turner, 32, arrives with a wealth of experience, having earned 45 caps for Scotland and represented his country in both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.
A product of Edinburgh’s youth system, Turner made his professional debut with the club before joining Glasgow Warriors in 2017.
Over seven seasons at Scotstoun, he earned 102 appearances and became a key figure in the Warriors’ forward pack, known for his dynamic scrummaging, lineout accuracy and work rate around the park.
In June 2024, Turner made the move to Japan’s Kobe Steelers and has contributed to the team’s growth in Japan Rugby League One.
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Turner said: “I’m looking forward to this next step in my career. After some fantastic years in Scotland and a new experience in Japan, the opportunity to join this club came at the perfect time,” said Turner.
“It’s an exciting challenge and one I’m ready for. I’m eager to get stuck into pre-season, meet the squad, and contribute to what this team is building. The ambition here is clear, and I’m proud to join Harlequins.”
