Out of contract in 2021: Rugby's best free agents at the end of next season

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by Steven Smith

Saturday, 12 September 2020 at 19:05

bySteven Smith

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Some of world's greats are into the final year of their contracts and there are some huge names who could leave for free next summer...

1. Joe Launchbury (Wasps)

The 29-year-old, who signed a two-year extension in 2019, has 62 international caps and was part of the England squad that reached the World Cup final in Japan. New Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick is a huge fans of the second-row, and will look to pursue Launchbury if Wasps can't get him to sign a new deal.

2. Jonathan Joseph (Bath)

The centre is thought to be out of contract in 2021 after last extending his deal at the Rec in 2019. Joseph, who joined the club in 2013 from London Irish, has 51 caps for his country while he also toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2017.

3. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors)

In 2017, Glasgow Warriors announced that Jones had signed a contract until at least 2021. However, if reports are to be believed, the Scotland centre is keen on a move to the Gallagher Premiership with Leicester Tigers very interested.

4. Johnny Sexton (Leinster)

The fly-half, who will be 36 when his contract expires, signed his latest deal shortly after he was named 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year. Reports in Japan have suggested the legendary fly-half could end his career in the Japanese Top League.

5. Joe Cokanasiga (Bath)

The powerhouse arrived at Bath from London Irish on a three-year deal in 2018. He's since became a regular pick for England head coach Eddie Jones and featured at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The 22-year-old won't be short of options.

6. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)

Tuilagi could depart the club in 2021 when his contract expires. The 29-year-old, who moved to the North West following his dramatic exit from Leicester Tigers, is reportedly being lined up to join Racing 92 in the TOP14 ahead of the 2021/22 season.

7. Chris Ashton (Harlequins)

It is understood that Ashton will stay at the Twickenham Stoop at least until the end of next season after joining from Sale, giving him a chance of nearing his goal of 100 Premiership tries. He currently boasts 86 after spells at Northampton Saints, Saracens and Sale. After that, he will reportedly head to Japan.

8. Keith Earls (Munster)

The 32-year-old has won 84 caps for Ireland, scoring 30 tries, last penned a new contract in 2018, and is set to be a free agent. Reports in Ireland suggest the speedster will retire, but he could certainly do a job for most teams in Europe.

9. Danny Care (Harlequins)

The scrum-half signed a two-year extension back in 2019, meaning he will be out of contract next year. Care, who is reportedly keen to sign a new deal to stay at the Stoop, has won the Premiership (2012) and the European Challenge Cup (2011) since joining Quins from Leeds in 2006.