Our latest rugby transfers and rumours update includes Gregor Townsend\u2019s future, Faf de Klerk\u2019s links and more.<\/p>\n
Gregor Townsend heading to Newcastle<\/p>\n
Townsend<\/a> heads into the 2026 Six Nations under pressure after an underwhelming Autumn Nations Series but is set to stay in charge of Scotland<\/a> through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup after penning a contract extension late last year.<\/p>\n However, he already has his next gig lined up, according to a report<\/a> by Telegraph Sport<\/a>, who state that he will take over at the Newcastle Red Bulls following the conclusion of his contract.<\/p>\n The former fly-half is already on the Red Bull payroll in a part-time consultancy role and advises Newcastle<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t be offered a contract renewal. Ex-Ulster boss Dan McFarland is expected to join the coaching structures, having previously worked with Townsend at Glasgow.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Exclusive: World Rugby clear up red card \u2018confusion\u2019 ahead of 2026 Six Nations<\/a><\/p>\n Despite the disappointment, Scottish chief executive Alex Williamson backed the head coach to see out his contract and the union wouldn\u2019t be making a reactionary call.<\/p>\n \u201cWe entered into the contract with Gregor with the full expectation he is going to take us through to the World Cup \u2013 that hasn\u2019t changed,\u201d Williamson told the BBC following Scottish Rugby\u2019s annual meeting last year.<\/p>\n He added, \u201cI 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\u2019t diminish the fact that there was also some things that really didn\u2019t go well in the heat of the moment.<\/p>\n Six Nations prediction: Gregor Townsend\u2019s job risks becoming \u2018untenable\u2019 as Scotland set for another failure<\/a><\/p>\n Perpignan break silence on Faf de Klerk<\/p>\n Double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks scrum-half Faf de Klerk\u2019s<\/a> contract at Japanese club Yokohama Canon Eagles is expiring at the end of the season, and the South African is garnering interest in Europe.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With the French club in a stable financial state, President Fran\u00e7ois Rivi\u00e8re 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t know if the talks will go anywhere,\u201d Rivi\u00e8re told the 100% USAP\u00a0show<\/a> on France Bleu.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s in Japan, he\u2019s nearing the end of his career, and it\u2019s not exactly cheap either. But again, this week, Laurent Labit [Perpignan\u2019s coach] is meeting with two other players in that position.\u201d<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia is currently on the club\u2019s payroll after making his return to rugby union after failing to successfully switch to sports and play in the NFL.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cJordan informed us that he was leaving; he will sign with a Japanese club next season. It\u2019s his choice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe hadn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, Rivi\u00e8re moved to distance the club from reports that they were interested in signing troublesome prop Mohamed Haouas, who will be leaving Montpellier.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat surprises me is that some people in our circle thought we might be led to do things or hire people with whom I don\u2019t share a number of views,\u201d Rivi\u00e8re said.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t even understand why we made such a fuss about it. It\u2019s settled, it\u2019s clear, he won\u2019t be coming to USAP, and it\u2019s also because Laurent has other names on his list that he has already contacted, including one in particular who is his choice.\u201d<\/p>\n Rugby Transfers: Sharks make double signing, England international commits to PREM side and Ulster draft in Irish-qualified forward<\/a><\/p>\n Saracens and Italy star on the club\u2019s radar<\/p>\n