Springboks forward Dan du Preez will join PREM rivals Bath after his exit from Sale Sharks was confirmed, Newcastle Red Bulls and Northampton Saints have bolstered their ranks and Reds back Isaac Henry has signed a new deal with the Super Rugby outfit.
Here is the latest round-up of rugby transfers and contract renewals from across the globe.
Dan du Preez completes cross-PREM switch
Springboks forward Dan du Preez will don blue, black and white next season, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with Bath.
His switch to the West Country comes after a strong seven-year stint at PREM rivals Sale Sharks, making 121 appearances for the club in that time.
Commenting on joining Bath, Du Preez said: “I’m really excited to be joining Bath. It’s a great club with huge ambition and incredible support behind it, and I can’t wait to get started and contribute to what the squad is building.”
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan added: “Our DNA is being tough to beat, and Dan du Preez fits that mould perfectly.
“A ball carrier, a set-piece expert and an excellent defender, we are looking forward to seeing what Dan will add to our group in the coming years. His test and English PREM experience will be very valuable and, most importantly, he is a brilliant family man.”
He comes to the Rec after the club lost fellow back-rower Alfie Barbeary for next season, with the England hopeful joining Saracens.
Newcastle Red Bulls add latest recruit to ranks for next season
Newcastle Red Bulls have further strengthened their squad ahead of next season with the addition of Sale back Obi Ene.
The 22-year-old winger joins the club on a two-year deal, and becomes the 19th player to agree a move to Kingston Park for next season.
A former Newcastle University student, Ene also follows fellow Sharks Raffi Quirke and James Harper to Red Bulls.
Commenting on the move, Ene said: “I came through Yorkshire’s academy and moved up to Newcastle to play for the uni team, which is where I got picked up by England Under-20s and Sale Sharks.
“I know all about life in Newcastle, so the club didn’t need to give me the sales pitch in that sense, and it’s an exciting time on and off the field.
“It’s well documented regarding all the improvements around the club under Red Bull’s ownership, and it’s great to be heading over there at the same time as my Sale teammates Raffi Quirke and James Harper. With Raffi in particular, I’ve already got that attacking synergy, so hopefully we can link up and score a few tries between us.
“Having spoken to the guys up at Newcastle, it’s clear the level of ambition they have, and I’m buzzing to get up there and rip in.”
Neil McIlroy, the club’s sporting general manager, added: “Obi is a talented young player who will fit in well to our system.
“He is a northern lad who has shown some very encouraging signs during the early part of his career, and I’m looking forward to seeing that progress continue when he joins us in the summer.”
Northampton Saints sign South African prop Leftheri Zigiriadis
Two-time PREM champions Northampton Saints have added some more depth to their front-row for next season in the form of Leftheri Zigiriadis.
The South African-native, 24, joins the Saints from CHAMP leaders Ealing Trailfinders, after making 30 appearances for the London club.
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He was a crucial part in Ealing’s run to the 2024/25 PREM Rugby Cup semi-finals, scoring a try in their win over Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens along the way.
Commenting on joining Saints, Zigiriadis said: “I came to the UK from South Africa with one clear goal in mind: to play rugby at the highest level. For me, there is no bigger club in England than Northampton to help me achieve that.
“The quality of the coaches here, the facilities and the overall environment give me the perfect opportunity to put my best foot forward and keep developing as a player.
“Northampton have arguably the best group of props in the PREM, and I’m really excited to be around players like that every day. If you want to play at the top level, you have to learn from the best, and as a developing prop you honestly couldn’t ask for a better environment.
“I’ll always be grateful to Ealing for the opportunity they gave me, both academically and professionally. Without them, none of this would have been possible, and I’m fully focused on helping them finish top of the CHAMP this season. But I’m hugely excited about the challenge of the Gallagher PREM and can’t wait to get started next season.”
Also commenting, Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson said:“Lefty is someone who has played a lot of rugby in the Championship, and played very well, which caught our attention,” he said. “When we then met him and spent some time talking about his ambitions, it was clear how driven he is to push himself to the very highest level.
“We really liked him as both a player and a person. He’s got a huge amount of energy, a real appetite to improve and we think he has a very high ceiling. He’s someone we’re genuinely excited to bring into our environment.
“For a young prop, being able to compete consistently in the Championship is a really good indicator, and we’ve seen plenty of players make the step-up from the second tier successfully here in the past. We’re excited about where Lefty can get to and what he can become at this club.
“From a rugby point of view, the set-piece is obviously fundamental for a prop, and Lefty already has a strong base at scrum time. Working closely with Jaco [Pienaar] will be a big benefit for him.
“But he also offers a lot around the park – he enjoys carrying the ball, wants to be involved and is athletic. He’s someone who wants to have an impact on the game, and that’s a quality we really value.”
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Reds tie down Isaac Henry to new deal
The Reds have secured the long-term future of in-form back Isaac Henry, with the 27-year-old signing a deal until the end of 2027. Henry made his debut for the Queensland-based outfit in 2021 and has since made 20 first-grade appearances.
Commenting on his extension, he said: “The last few years have been up and down with my body so it has been pretty awesome to be back and playing in two good wins. I’ve been proud of myself and the boys.
“Not too long ago I was questioning whether I’d keep playing so to leave it all out there on the field again for 80 minutes is just a good feeling. I’m super happy to stay on for another year at the Reds. Queensland is home.”
Reds head coach Les Kiss added: “His training ethos and footy intelligence are appreciated by all, and he has a sense of calm on the field. He plays well on both sides of the ball. He’s part of a competitive midfield at the Reds. Whether it is at No.12 or No.13, he shows the qualities he brings.”