LIST: Five world-class players who will be free agents this summer...

Leo Cullen was unable to give any indication of the tighthead’s future at Leinster, as the Ireland international still has not signed a new contract. Leinster renewed the contracts of 15 players last week and announced the signings of Munster scrum-half Nick McCarthy and Crusaders prop Michael Alaalatoa. Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong is yet to sign a new contract with the club, however.

According to RUCK sources, Leicester boss and former England coach Steve Borthwick want the England lock to join Leicester when his contract with Panasonic Wild Knights expires. Aged 18, Kruis was taken under then-England captain Borthwick's wing and spent five years mentoring the lock to becoming a Saracens star as well as an England international and British and Irish Lion.

The Italy legend Sergio Parisse signed a one-year contract extension with Toulon in June after an impressive first season, which may see him to the end of his career.

USA international hooker Joe Taufete'e is potentially set to make a move back to England with Gallagher Premiership side Harlequins according to the latest reports. The Rugby Paper report Quins are currently holding talks with the 2019 World Player of the Year nominee.

The dual World Cup winner Jerome Kaino has a year left on his deal with Toulouse, by which time he will be 38.