Transfer Frenzy: Farrell and Fin Smith headline fly-half shake-up as clubs gear up for 2025/26
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The transfer market is heating up with seismic shifts in the fly-half landscape as Owen Farrell edges closer to a sensational Premiership return and Fin Smith enters a crucial contract year.
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Elsewhere, Gloucester's Zach Mercer is bound for France, Exeter land Wallabies ace Len Ikitau, and Dan Lydiate calls time on a glittering career.
Here’s your full round-up of the latest confirmed moves and major rumours shaking up the rugby world.
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TRANSFER ROUND-UP
Gloucester powerhouse Zach Mercer is reportedly on his way back to France, with Toulon securing a major transfer coup ahead of the 2025/26 season. FULL STORY
Leicester Tigers are going all-in to lure Owen Farrell back to English rugby, with the England centurion firmly in their sights as Handré Pollard prepares to head for the exit door this summer. FULL STORY
Exeter Chiefs have pulled off a blockbuster signing ahead of the 2025/26 season, snapping up Wallabies star Len Ikitau from the ACT Brumbies. FULL STORY
Exeter Chiefs hooker and club captain Jack Yeandle has signed a new contract to stay with the club. FULL STORY
Northampton Saints are bracing themselves for a transfer storm as Fin Smith, one of English rugby's brightest young talents, enters the final 12 months of his deal. FULL STORY
Dragons RFC, British and Irish Lions and Wales legend Dan Lydiate has announced his playing retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season. FULL STORY
Former England and Bath winger Semesa Rokoduguni has signed a new deal with Doncaster Knights in the RFU Championship. FULL STORY
One of Bristol Bears' greatest players of the professional era, Steven Luatua, has committed his future to the club ahead of his 150th appearance for the club this weekend. FULL STORY
Edinburgh have announced the signing of two Scottish qualified props for next season with James Whitcombe and Rhys Litterick arriving from Leicester and Cardiff respectively. FULL STORY
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Three England Stars Who Could Lose Their Central Contracts
Last October, England handed out 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts as part of the shiny new Professional Game Partnership deal.
It gave head coach Steve Borthwick more control than ever, including the final word on all sports science and medical matters.
Among the big winners were George Ford, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith – all three fly-halves receiving upgraded deals ahead of the autumn internationals.
But fast forward six months, and not all those golden ticket holders are sitting pretty. We take a look at three players who could be on the chopping block ahead of the next round of central contract decisions.
#1. Henry Slade – The Class Act Losing His Place
Slade's silky style has long made him a favourite with fans – but his Six Nations was anything but smooth. Once pencilled in as a midfield maestro, he now finds himself completely out of Borthwick's 23.
His combination with Ollie Lawrence never quite clicked, and although there were flickers of promise, it wasn’t enough to convince the coaches. Slade was ultimately cast aside in favour of Fraser Dingwall, and now his England future – and his central contract – looks seriously uncertain.
Possible replacement: Fraser Dingwall
The mid-Six Nations switch that saw him take Slade’s place has given Dingwall a solid opportunity to make a real push for a long-term role in the squad. A gritty and intelligent player, he's an ideal fit in the centre and could continue his rise with consistent performances.
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