The rugby transfer market is beginning to heat up as clubs finalise their summer plans, with major names edging closer to headline moves.
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Rugby transfer round-up
Tuilagi return to Leicester
Fred Tuilagi could be in line for a Gallagher Premiership return next season following a series of eye-catching displays for Bedford Blues in the Championship, according to RugbyPass.
There is thought to be interest mounting from a number of top-flight clubs, including his former side Leicester Tigers, where he previously featured seven times across the Anglo-Welsh Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup.
Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints are also understood to be monitoring the situation as they assess back-row options ahead of next season.
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All Blacks star signs new deal:
All Blacks and Chiefs scrum-half Cortez Ratima has pledged his future to New Zealand Rugby by signing a new deal that will keep him in the country until the end of 2028.
A product of Hamilton Boys’ High School, Ratima has rapidly risen through the ranks since making his professional breakthrough. He has played 38 matches for Waikato and 60 for the Chiefs to date, after making his club debut against the Crusaders in 2022.
The dynamic No. 9 has become a key figure at Super Rugby level and continues to strengthen his standing within the national setup as he commits his long-term future to New Zealand rugby.
New deal for Sammy Arnold:
Newcastle Red Bulls supporters can look forward to more of Sammy Arnold’s trademark abrasiveness next season, with the powerful centre committing his future to the Tyneside club for at least another year.
The 29-year-old has made a big impression since arriving ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, bringing a blend of physicality, direct running and uncompromising defence that has quickly made him a favourite at Kingston Park.
Born in England but having built his professional career in Ireland, Arnold returned closer to home when he joined from Brive in the summer of 2024. Since then, the Ireland international has racked up 24 appearances in Red Bulls colours, consistently providing go-forward ball with his line-breaking carries and bone-rattling hits in midfield.
Arnold says the decision to extend his stay was an easy one.
“I’ve loved my time here so far,” he said.
“Newcastle very quickly felt like home for my family and I, and we’re happily settled here.
“We love the city, the people and the club, and I’m happy to extend at a place with a really exciting future.
“The whole Red Bull project is one of a kind in world rugby right now, so that’s cool to be a part of, and it’s only a matter of time before things really take off here.”
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Vunipola a free agent:
According to RugbyPass, Pro D2 leaders Vannes are expected to inform former England and British & Irish Lions prop Mako Vunipola that he will not be offered a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
The report adds that Vunipola, who is widely tipped to move into coaching once he retires, has spent the past two seasons in Brittany following a decorated spell with Saracens and is now considering his next move.
Aki to the Prem:
Bundee Aki is reportedly considering a move to the Gallagher Premiership this summer, with his current deal at Connacht Rugby set to expire at the end of the season.
According to RugbyPass, the 35-year-old is exploring his options — and there’s no shortage of English interest
Newcastle are believed to be desperate for a marquee signing to reignite their midfield, while Leicester Tigers and Saracens are both in the market for an experienced inside centre.
Aki’s experience, physicality and leadership would make him an instant impact signing in the Premiership — and with his contract winding down, a summer switch is firmly on the table.
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