Our latest rugby transfers and rumours update includes Gregor Townsend’s future, Faf de Klerk’s links and more.
Gregor Townsend heading to Newcastle
Townsend heads into the 2026 Six Nations under pressure after an underwhelming Autumn Nations Series but is set to stay in charge of Scotland through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup after penning a contract extension late last year.
However, he already has his next gig lined up, according to a report by Telegraph Sport, who state that he will take over at the Newcastle Red Bulls following the conclusion of his contract.
The former fly-half is already on the Red Bull payroll in a part-time consultancy role and advises Newcastle on strategy and philosophy. The publication adds that multiple sources have indicated that he will go to Kingston Park on a full-time basis, most likely as a director of rugby.
While sources told the Telegraph that nothing is finalised yet, Townsend is expected to vacate his role after Australia 2027, with Glasgow Warriors boss Franco Smith in prime position to succeed him.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are laying the groundwork for his arrival with former Wales fly-half Stephen Jones recruited as a senior assistant coach, while the report states that current head coach Alan Dickens won’t be offered a contract renewal. Ex-Ulster boss Dan McFarland is expected to join the coaching structures, having previously worked with Townsend at Glasgow.
Townsend is under pressure in his current role after the end-of-year internationals, where his side let slip a golden opportunity to beat the All Blacks and were booed off Murrayfield after blowing a 21-0 lead in defeat to Argentina.
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Despite the disappointment, Scottish chief executive Alex Williamson backed the head coach to see out his contract and the union wouldn’t be making a reactionary call.
“We entered into the contract with Gregor with the full expectation he is going to take us through to the World Cup – that hasn’t changed,” Williamson told the BBC following Scottish Rugby’s annual meeting last year.
He added, “I think we have an outstanding coaching group. I think we saw some real progress in a number of areas, and I think there was lots to like, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that there was also some things that really didn’t go well in the heat of the moment.
Perpignan break silence on Faf de Klerk
Double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks scrum-half Faf de Klerk’s contract at Japanese club Yokohama Canon Eagles is expiring at the end of the season, and the South African is garnering interest in Europe.
The 34-year-old has been linked with a move to Top 14 strugglers Perpignan, who have been on a recruitment drive ahead of the 2026/2027 season. All Blacks Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor have signed for the side, along with Montpellier prop Enzo Forletta and centre Maelan Rabut.
With the French club in a stable financial state, President François Rivière is confident that they can make a few more moves on the player market while addressed the rumours about De Klerk, who has also been linked with the Sale Sharks.
“We don’t know if the talks will go anywhere,” Rivière told the 100% USAP show on France Bleu.
“He’s in Japan, he’s nearing the end of his career, and it’s not exactly cheap either. But again, this week, Laurent Labit [Perpignan’s coach] is meeting with two other players in that position.”
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Perpignan will boast strong stocks at scrum-half, whether they sign De Klerk or move on to another target, having already extended the contracts of Tom Ecochard and James Hall.
Former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia is currently on the club’s payroll after making his return to rugby union after failing to successfully switch to sports and play in the NFL.
He signed a short-term deal with the Top 14 outfit through to the end of the season, and general manager Bruno Rolland confirmed that he will be leaving the French club when his contract expires.
“Jordan informed us that he was leaving; he will sign with a Japanese club next season. It’s his choice,” he said.
“We hadn’t necessarily started discussions yet, knowing that we had already signed Sevu Reese for that position, which might have created redundancy. He preferred to take the initiative and signed with a Japanese club.”
Finally, Rivière moved to distance the club from reports that they were interested in signing troublesome prop Mohamed Haouas, who will be leaving Montpellier.
Haouas has twice been convicted of domestic violence, and fans slammed his potential arrival. While Perpignan are in the market for a tighthead prop, there are no talks taking place to sign Haouas.
“What surprises me is that some people in our circle thought we might be led to do things or hire people with whom I don’t share a number of views,” Rivière said.
“I don’t even understand why we made such a fuss about it. It’s settled, it’s clear, he won’t be coming to USAP, and it’s also because Laurent has other names on his list that he has already contacted, including one in particular who is his choice.”
Saracens and Italy star on the club’s radar
According to RugbyRama, Perpignan are in advanced talks with Saracens and Italian prop Marco Riccioni.
The club needs to make signings on the right-hand side of the scrum with Nemo Roelofse returning to South Africa to join the Sharks, while Akato Fakatika is off to Agen.
Riccioni would bolster the tighthead stocks that is set to include 35-year-old Kieran Brookes and 34-year-old Petro Ceccarelli.
There are plenty of tighthead props on the move this season in France, with reports stating that Kyle Sinckler will be returning to PREM Rugby, joining Bath. Toulon have moved to snap up the services of Rabah Slimani from Leinster, while Japan international Opeti Helu is set to link up with Lyon.
Kerr extends with Harlequins
Harlequins have announced that academy product Sean Kerr has signed his first senior contract at the club. The 21-year-old academy product graduates into the senior squad with 14 first team appearances under his belt to date.
The inside centre made his debut in the PREM Rugby Cup against Nottingham in October 2023, before earning his Gallagher PREM debut against Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham Stoop in Harlequins’ penultimate fixture of the 2024/25 campaign.
Committing on the re-signing, senior coach Jason Gilmore said: “We’re pleased Sean has committed to Quins. He’s an up-and-coming ball playing inside centre, who’s working hard week-to-week to improve his game.
“Sean has already had a taste of PREM Rugby and he’s hungry for more, so we’re looking forward to seeing how he continues to develop in our environment.”