An All Black has been linked with a sensational move to the United Rugby Championship (URC), Theo McFarland’s exit from Saracens has been confirmed and Scarlets have replaced outgoing Springbok Marnus van der Merwe.
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All Black receives post-World Cup URC offer
Tyrel Lomax has been linked with a shock move to Irish outfit Munster, as they ramp up a major recruitment drive at tighthead.
According to reports from the Irish Examiner, the Limerick-based side have tabled an offer for his services following next year’s Rugby World Cup, with his current deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) set to expire then.
However, it is understood that NZR want to keep the 30-year-old on their books and with the Hurricanes, who he has played for since 2020.
Lomax has been a staple of the All Blacks side in recent years, winning 48 caps since his Test debut in 2018. He was also involved in their 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.
It would not be the first time an All Black has moved to Ireland, though, with Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane both playing for Leinster on sabbatical deals.
Saracens farewell Samoa star as Top 14 switch confirmed
Samoa international McFarland will leave Saracens at the end of the season to move to the Top 14.
The versatile forward joined the Londoners in 2021, and has gone onto make 86 appearances for them at the time of writing while also helping the club win the 2023 PREM title.
His is the latest confirmed exit from the StoneX at the end of the season, with him joining Tom Willis and Marco Riccioni in heading across the Channel for next season. While his future destination is yet to be announced, McFarland has been heavily linked with a move to La Rochelle.
Commenting on his exit, McFarland said: “I have absolutely loved my time here. The people, the memories and everything that comes with being part of this club.
“Thank you to everyone connected to Saracens for the support over the last five years. I am proud and grateful to have been part of this special place.
“I will continue to give everything I have in these final few games and help finish the season strongly.
“Faafetai tele lava.”
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Saracens director of rugby, Mark McCall, added: “Theo joined the club five years ago and has developed tremendously during his time here. Through his dedication, professionalism and hard work both on and off the pitch, he has grown into an outstanding rugby player and athlete.
“It has been a pleasure to watch his progression, not only as a player but also as a person. Over the years we have seen Theo become a valued part of the club and he has always carried himself with humility, care and complete dedication in everything he does.
“He has been a joy to have around the environment, and we wish Theo and his family every success for the future.”
Leinster man makes cross-URC switch
Scarlets have signed Leinster hooker John McKee on a deal for next season as a direct replacement for outgoing Springbok Van der Merwe.
The front-rower made his debut for Leinster in 2022, and has made 46 appearances for the Irish outfit at the time of writing. He has also been capped at Ireland U18s and U20s level.
McKee now becomes the third player to sign for the Scarlets ahead of next season, following Corey Domachowski and lock Harvey Cuckson to the Parc y Scarlets.
Commenting on his move to Llanelli, McKee said: “I’m buzzing about the move. The opportunity to join the Scarlets was one that really excited me straight away and from the first call I had with Nigel, Dwayne and Cubby, the passion they have for the club really struck me.
“I’m looking forward to getting over there, meeting the boys, the staff, connecting with the supporters and hopefully adding to the environment.
“I was 24th man last season when the Scarlets beat Leinster in Llanelli and I remember thinking at the time how much the fans got behind the side and how passionate they were.
“This is a fresh slate for me, I have loved my time with Leinster, but like every rugby player, you want to be playing regularly.
“I know the Scarlets haven’t had the results they wanted this season, but there have been a number of close-run games and you can see the direction the team is moving in, the young talent coming through and the style of rugby they want to play. I am looking forward to playing a part in that.”
Scarlets’ interim director of rugby, Nigel Davies, added: “John is a player we are really excited to bring to the Scarlets because he fits exactly the type of profile we want in this squad.
“He comes from an outstanding environment at Leinster where standards are exceptionally high every single day and we believe that experience will be hugely valuable for us.
“He is physical, competitive and has proven himself at URC and Champions Cup level, despite competing against some of the best hookers in world rugby for opportunities.
“What also stood out was his hunger to come here, compete and grow his game. We want players who are ambitious, who want to challenge themselves and who are excited by where this group is heading.
“We are building genuine competition across the squad because that is what drives standards and improves performances. We have seen the positive impact that competition has had within the group over the last couple of seasons and John will add strongly to that.”
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