The Newcastle Falcons are reportedly aiming to secure the services of Finlay Christie, a scrum-half from Scotland who represents the All Blacks. This potential acquisition could mark the beginning of a series of approximately twelve new player additions, as Steve Diamond seeks to bolster the squad in preparation for the upcoming season.
Christie, a talented player for the Blues who was born in Peebles, relocated to New Zealand at the age of seven. Having met the residency requirements, he has earned 25 international caps. Notably, he participated in the 2023 World Cup Final as a substitute, where the All Blacks were defeated by the Springboks.
So far, the Falcons, who are expected to undergo a rebranding initiative under the Red Bull name in the near future, have only officially welcomed Ethan Grayson from the San Diego Legion to their roster. However, they have also announced that hooker Ollie Fletcher has committed to a new two-year contract.
Franco Smith, the head of Glasgow Warriors, has initiated discussions with the Scottish Rugby Union regarding a possible extension to his existing contract, which is set to expire at the conclusion of the next season.
Smith, who has been considered for positions with Leicester Tigers, Wales, and the Bulls in recent times, had aspirations of becoming the Scotland coach. However, Gregor Townsend’s position was secured until after the 2027 World Cup.
Smith, formerly the coach of Italy, assumed the role of head coach for the Warriors in August 2022. He guided the team to victory in the United Rugby Championship two years later. There are hopes that he will remain in his current position at least until after the World Cup in Australia.
Sale Sharks’ efforts to recruit Dan du Plessis, the Stormers’ inside centre, for the upcoming season in the North West were unsuccessful. Du Plessis reportedly had a change of heart at the last minute and opted to remain in Cape Town.
The Stormers had been prepared to release Du Plessis, a former player for South Africa’s school and under-20 teams, aged 30. He notably scored a try in his Super Rugby debut against the Cheetahs in May 2016.
However, the Port Elizabeth-born midfield player, who is also capable of playing outside centre, has decided to honour the final year of his contract with the Stormers, despite receiving a significant offer to join PREM Rugby.
Kalyn Ponga, the captain of the Newcastle Knights, utilized his Instagram account to address rumours of a potential transition to a different sporting code. He reaffirmed his dedication to the NRL team, which is currently facing challenges.
Ponga, who is contracted with the Knights until 2027, had been linked to a potential move to France, Japan, or the proposed R360 competition. However, he stated that he intends to fulfil his lucrative contract with the Hunter Valley team.
“Committed to the end of 2027. Excited about the vision of the club. Appreciate those that support me!” Ponga shared with his 373,000 followers on the platform, in a post that received over 34,000 likes.
Biarritz is actively seeking to recruit a No. 8 player and is attempting to persuade Fritz Lee, a veteran Samoan player who is available after spending 12 seasons at Clermont Auvergne, to postpone his retirement for another season.
Lee, who has amassed over 270 career appearances, participated in 21 games for Auvergne last season. However, he departed the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.
Biarritz, having allowed Nafi Ma’afu to join Montauban and failing to secure Uzair Cassiem, who is heading to Oyonnax, has reportedly reached out to Lee to entice him with a final challenge, according to Midi Olympique.
Greg Cooper, a former All Blacks fullback, is continuing his global travels by agreeing to return to the Japanese Rugby League One team, NEC Green Rockets, from the beginning of the upcoming season.
Cooper, aged 60, whose younger brother Matthew represented the All Blacks and Croatia, has spent the past three years working in Major League Rugby with the Utah Warriors.
However, the former coach of Stade Français, who played against the Lions in 1993 and has also worked for the Mitsubishi DynaBoars, has been confirmed as returning to the Tokatsu team, where he previously coached from 2012 to 2014.
