HOGG\u2019S PREM RETURN<\/p>\n
Former Scotland fullback\u00a0Stuart Hogg\u00a0has been left disappointed after hopes of a move back to England \u2014 and a possible reunion with former coach\u00a0Gregor Townsend\u00a0\u2014 was rejected by\u00a0Newcastle Red Bulls.<\/p>\n
RUCK understands that Hogg, currently out of contract with\u00a0Montpellier\u00a0next summer, had reached out to contacts in England as he explores options to return closer to his children in Scotland.<\/p>\n
However, despite sounding out interest and making tentative approaches, including to Townsend \u2014 who recently joined the Red Bulls in an advisory capacity \u2014 the club are understood to have decided\u00a0against offering the 100-cap international a contract.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conversations didn\u2019t go anywhere,\u201d a source told RUCK. \u201cGregor\u2019s role is strategic and the club\u2019s looking forward, not back. They\u2019ve been clear they don\u2019t want the distraction.\u201d<\/p>\n
FULL STORY.<\/a><\/p>\n BEARS SIGN FRICKER<\/p>\n Versatile back-three star\u00a0Toby Fricker\u00a0has made a short-term return to\u00a0Bristol Bears\u00a0as injury cover.<\/p>\n The\u00a0USA international, who previously made\u00a034 appearances\u00a0for the club, links back up with the squad\u00a0with immediate effect.<\/p>\n SPRINGBOK DEPARTS BATH<\/p>\n Bath Rugby have confirmed that South African international Thomas du Toit will return to South Africa at the end of the season, rejoining his former club of the Sharks in Durban.<\/p>\n The World Cup-winning prop\u2019s contract with the Blue, Black and White expires next summer, and after two outstanding seasons in England, du Toit has opted to head back to where it all began.<\/p>\n The 29-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving at The Rec in 2023, becoming one of the Gallagher Premiership\u2019s most dominant front-rowers and playing a central role in Bath\u2019s historic 2024\/25 treble-winning campaign.<\/p>\n During his time in the West Country, du Toit racked up 21 tries in 52 appearances, earning a nomination for Gallagher Premiership Rugby Player of the Season in 2024. His combination of raw power, mobility and leadership made him a firm fan favourite at The Rec.<\/p>\n FULL STORY.<\/a><\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n