La Rochelle are closing in on Bulls ace David Kriel despite the interest of Glasgow Warriors, while Franco Smith has added a South African to his ranks in the form of Pumas back-rower Ruwald van der Merwe and Exeter Chiefs have signed Bath back Sam Harris ahead of next season.
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David Kriel close to La Rochelle move
Bulls back Kriel is close to joining Top 14 outfit La Rochelle, according to reports from Rapport.
The 27-year-old was attracting the interest of fellow URC side Glasgow Warriors ahead of a possible switch next season, but it seems he is set to move to the Stade Marcel-Deflandre instead.
He isn’t the only South African primed to join Ronan O’Gara’s roster next season, with Salmaan Moerat also tipped for a move to the two-time Champions Cup winners.
Kriel has been a mainstay for the Bulls since his debut back in 2020, and has tallied 109 appearances at the time of writing.
However, his move would also open the doors for a possible play for the likes of Thaakir Abrahams as well, who has previously been linked with a move to Loftus Versfeld.
Ruwald van der Merwe signs for Glasgow
While Glasgow might miss out on the services of Kriel, they have added a South African to their ranks for next season in the form of Pumas back-rower Van der Merwe.
The 27-year-old will join the Scottish side at the end of the 2026 Currie Cup campaign, and joins the club on a two-year deal, subject to visa.
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After impressing at Varsity Cup level, Van der Merwe penned his first professional deal with the Pumas in 2022, and helped them reach the Currie Cup Final a year later.
Commenting on joining the Warriors, Van der Merwe said: “I’m incredibly excited and very grateful to have signed with Glasgow Warriors.
“I’ve followed the club for a while, and I never imagined I’d get the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious setup. I’m looking forward to giving my best and contributing wherever I can.
“I spoke to Franco before signing, who told me a lot about the environment and his coaching approach. What stood out is how much he values the individual and focuses on developing areas of your game that need improvement.
“I also spoke to Henco Venter, who had nothing but great things to say about the club and life in Glasgow, which made the decision even more exciting for me and my family.”
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Glasgow head coach Smith added: “Ruwald is a player that we have been keeping an eye on for a while, having identified him as someone that we believe can bring real value to what we are aiming to build here.
“He is a strong carrier who brings a real work ethic to everything he does, and he is excited to become a Glasgow Warrior from next season.
“We know that the Warrior Nation will welcome him with open arms, and we look forward to welcoming him to Scotstoun later this year.”
Leicester Tigers bolster ranks with Joel Sclavi signing
Leicester Tigers have added further strength to their front-row stock for next season, with Los Pumas ace Joel Sclavi heading to the East Midlands.
The 31-year-old tighthead joins the Tigers from Top 14 outfit La Rochelle, after helping the French side win two Investec Champions Cup titles, and also boasts 33 Test caps for Argentina at the time of writing.
Commenting on the move, Sclavi said: “I’m proud and happy to be part of a club with so much history and identity.”
“I am really looking forward to what is ahead at Leicester Tigers.”
Tigers head coach, Geoff Parling, added: “We know how highly we value our set-piece so we were looking at someone who could add both quality and depth on both sides of the scrum, of which Joel’s size and strength will be a real asset.
“After proving himself in the Top 14 he was hungry for a new challenge, so we look forward to welcoming Joel, his wife Charo and his son Ciro to our squad.”
Exeter Chiefs tempt Sam Harris into cross-PREM move
Exeter Chiefs’ recruitment drive continues ahead of next season, with Harris making the move from West Country rivals Bath.
Harris is the latest Bath back to agree a switch to Exeter next season, with Will Butt also swapping the Rec for Sandy Park come the summer.
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The 22-year-old full-back has endured a tough time with injuries in recent years, but has notched 15 appearances in Blue, Black and White since making his debut in 2022.
Commenting on the move, Harris said: “I’m really excited to be joining Exeter Chiefs. It’s a club with a strong identity, an amazing fan base and a record of competing at the highest level.
“After speaking with the coaches, I felt this was the right environment for a fresh start. I enjoy the style of rugby Exeter plays, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s ambitions in the coming seasons.
“I’m excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to get started with the boys.”
Exeter director of rugby, Rob Baxter, added: “We’ve had a good look at Sam for a while now. He’s a guy who has had an impressive career trajectory from the Bath Rugby academy into the England U20s and then into the Bath first team.
“He’s had the misfortune of having back-to-back injuries, which are now all just about sorted out. So, we’re expecting an awful lot of him in the future.
“Sam is one of those guys who has exceptional talent, so we’re hoping that we can get him a period of being injury-free and help his development into more senior rugby.
“He’s got some real strengths in his game. His ball-playing ability as second receiver, having played a lot in the fly-half position, is impressive. He’s got very good speed, is very evasive and good in the air.
“He’s one of those guys we think can potentially come through and grow into a very good rugby player, and we hope that’s something we can help him achieve here at Exeter.”