The rugby conveyor belt has been working overtime this week, with a multitude of stars either switching clubs, signing contract extensions, or simply retiring.
Last night, it was confirmed that former Wales international Liam Williams would retire from the game with immediate effect. Here are the rest of the major transfer stories from the past couple of days:
Christ Tshiunza on the move
Wales international forward Christ Tshiunza has agreed a deal with Sale Sharks to sign on an initial one-year contract ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The versatile 24-year-old, who stands at 6’6” and can play in either the back-row or second-row, has spent the last six years at Exeter Chiefs after making the switch from the Cardiff Academy, and has since played more than 50 times for Rob Baxter’s side, scoring four tries.
Despite only making his Chiefs debut in September 2021, Tshiunza received his first call-up to the full Welsh squad for that year’s Autumn Internationals, featuring as a replacement in a win over Fiji and has since won 15 caps and featured in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Looking ahead to his move, Tshiunza said: “When I spoke to Alex, he was talking about how he really wanted to compete for the big trophies, and that really excited me. He talked about the plans for the future of the club and it was something that I wanted to be a part of.
“I’ve played against Sale loads of times and as an opposition player you always know that it’s going to be a really tough, physical game that’ll be won by the pack. It’s always the most physical game of the season and that always excited me because love that side of the game.
“Other teams have a real fear of playing Sale because of that physical challenge and I can’t wait to be on the other side of that.
“I’m also really looking forward to playing with the other Welsh lads who are joining – Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis – and some of the guys I know from Exeter. I’ve been at Exeter for a long time and I think it’ll be good for me to experience a new environment with new faces and new players to learn from.”
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Brad Shields decides Hurricanes’ future
Former England international Brad Shields has agreed to a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the Hurricanes until the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The deal means Shields will return to the Hurricanes for an 11th season in what is his second stint with the club, a decade-and-a-half after his debut in 2012.
Since then, the 34-year-old has become the fourth-most capped Hurricanes player with 133 appearances, standing as a key leader and prominent figure within the club. A Super Rugby champion with the Hurricanes in 2016, Shields also featured in the club’s 2017 draw against the British & Irish Lions and became a Hurricanes centurion in 2018.
“I’m super excited to be staying with the Canes for another year, and extremely grateful to the club for the opportunity,” Shields said.
“I love where the club is at, both on and off the field, with the players and management – we are building something very special.
“I’m also excited about what’s happening off the field and the alignment across the entire club, as well as the positive direction we’re heading in to grow our game within the community and be frontrunners in innovation within Super Rugby.
“It’s awesome to be supported by such an amazing organisation. This is home for me and my beautiful family, and without the support of them, I couldn’t do what I do.”
Jonny Gray swaps to Top 14 strugglers
Jonny Gray, the Scotland second-row, has left European champions Bordeaux-Begles with immediate effect, signing a short-term deal with Perpignan in the Top 14 until the end of the season. The 32-year-old lock has been brought in to bolster Perpignan’s injury-hit squad as they battle to avoid relegation.
He has spent just under two years with Bordeaux-Begles and has achieved great success, winning yet another Investec Champions Cup title in 2025. Gray has not been a regular feature within the side and was out of contract with the club at the end of the season, so the move to Perpignan has raised no eyebrows.
Jack Carty calls it a day
Connacht Rugby’s record points scorer, Jack Carty, has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
With 1260 points scored across 231 appearances in 15 years, Carty has solidified his legacy as an all-time Connacht great. A product of the Connacht pathway system through Buccaneers RFC and Marist College, Carty was captain of Connacht Rugby from 2022-2024, and earned 11 Ireland caps during his career, including 3 appearances at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Looking ahead to his retirement, the 33-year-old said: “From the excitement of the old Clan Stand opening, getting stranded in Siberia, the ecstasy of winning the PRO12, playing for my country and the Dexcom Stadium grand opening – it’s been filled with so many highs. There have been times for reflection, regret and disappointment. Each one enabling me to grow and learn who I am as a person.
“I have so many people to be thankful for along the way and I plan on thanking you all in the near future, but my biggest appreciation has always been to my Mum and Dad, for never letting me get too high or too low.”
Alex Mann commits long-term to boyhood club
Wales flanker Alex Mann has extended his stay at hometown club Cardiff by signing a new long-term deal that will keep him at the club for the foreseeable.
“This is obviously my home club, I have been here since I was 16-years-old and have a lot of mates here, so it means a lot and I remain really grateful to all of the coaches and staff who have believed in me over the years and given me the opportunity,” he said
The young star has made a fantastic impact on the international scene since arriving, making 16 appearances already.
Cardiff boss Corniel van Zyl said: “We are really pleased that Alex has decided to continue his journey at Cardiff, particularly on the back of such an impressive season so far, most recently with Wales in the Six Nations, where he put in some big performances.
“He has been brilliant for Cardiff during my time at the club. It is very clear that he really cares about the club, his team-mates and the people we represent.
“On the pitch, he clearly has an all-in mentality. He puts his body on the line, is very versatile and has an all-round game where he can make an impact on both sides of the ball.”
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