Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\nChris Harris set for Newcastle return<\/p>\n
Chris Harris is returning to Newcastle Red Bulls next season, rejoining the club where he first made his mark in professional rugby.<\/p>\n
The Scotland international centre previously made more than 100 appearances for Newcastle before moving to Gloucester in 2019 and later Bath, where he helped secure a Premiership title.<\/p>\n
With 47 Scotland caps and experience as a British & Irish Lions Test starter, Harris brings both leadership and top-level pedigree back to Kingston Park.<\/p>\n
Leigh Halfpenny confirms retirement<\/p>\n
Leigh Halfpenny will retire at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on the career of one of rugby\u2019s most dependable stars.<\/p>\n
The Cardiff Rugby full-back returned to his boyhood club and will now step away after 18 years competing at the highest level.<\/p>\n
From his debut against Ulster Rugby to standout performances for the Wales national rugby union team and the British & Irish Lions, Halfpenny built a reputation on precision, resilience and delivering in the biggest moments.<\/p>\n
Luke Cowan-Dickie linked with West Country move<\/p>\n
RugbyPass has reported that Cowan-Dickie could soon leave Sale Sharks in order to be closer to his family in the south west.<\/p>\n
The England and British & Irish Lions hooker is reportedly attracting interest from Bristol Bears as he considers a return to his West Country roots following three years with Sale Sharks.<\/p>\n
Scott Sio signs for Cardiff<\/p>\n
Cardiff have completed the signing of former Australia loose-head prop Scott Sio following Corey Domachowski\u2019s move to Scarlets. The 34-year-old will arrive this summer after spending four seasons with Exeter Chiefs.<\/p>\n
The 74-cap Wallaby, who now represents Samoa, will head to Cardiff Arms Park to compete with Danny Southworth and Rhys Barratt for a starting place.<\/p>\n
Tommy Freeman attracting interest from Northampton Saints rivals<\/p>\n
Freeman\u2019s impressive development has naturally drawn attention from across the Prem and clubs abroad, with several teams believed to be keeping a close eye on his contract situation.<\/p>\n
Despite that interest, Northampton Saints are eager to hold off potential suitors and secure one of their most important players on a long-term deal.<\/p>\n
Freeman is due to enter the final year of his current contract at Franklin\u2019s Gardens later this summer, but Saints have already acted by putting forward an early offer.<\/p>\n
According to RugbyPass, talks are progressing positively, with no major obstacles expected to delay negotiations.<\/p>\n
Ben Earl could make switch to league<\/p>\n
Some of rugby league\u2019s biggest clubs are reportedly monitoring Ben Earl after the England international revealed he has thought about changing codes.<\/p>\n
According to City AM, both Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors are closely tracking the Saracens back-row, with a potential move north being considered after the next Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
Super League clubs can take advantage of salary cap exemptions when signing union players who have never played professional league, making a move for Earl financially appealing, especially with fresh NRL investment expected in the competition.<\/p>\n
Steve Hansen delivers explosive exit from Japan<\/p>\n
Steve Hansen signed off from Japanese rugby with a fierce criticism of refereeing standards after stepping down from Toyota Verblitz.<\/p>\n
The former New Zealand national rugby union team head coach confirmed his departure after Verblitz\u2019s final game of the season and openly criticised the officials in his post-match comments.<\/p>\n
Hansen, who led New Zealand to victory at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, had been with Toyota since 2019 as director of rugby before taking over as head coach in 2024.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the loss to Honda Heat, he said, \u201cThe quality of the refereeing was poor and I felt sorry for the players.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the first half, plays that should never have been allowed were permitted.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the second half, two tries were disallowed by the TMO and one of them was an unbelievable decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m leaving the team so I\u2019m going to say this now.\u201d<\/p>\n
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