Every Premiership club’s best player out of contract in 2021

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Wednesday, 02 December 2020 at 13:56

byRugby Rucker

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A number of high-profile Gallagher Premiership players are set to see their contracts expire at the end of the 2020/21 season.

BATH RFC: Anthony Watson

The black, blue and whites will be desperate to hold onto the versatile speedster, but a report in the French press suggests that he could be joining Racing 92 ahead of the 2021/22 season. Other players out of contract at the Rec includes Joe Cokanasiga and Jonathan Joseph.

BRISTOL BEARS: John Afoa

A World Cup-winning All Black international of 36 caps, experienced prop Afoa was a mainstay of Pat Lam's side as they earned a third-place finish in the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership. Despite now being 37, the bears will be hoping he signs on.

EXETER CHIEFS: Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

The 27-year-old scrum-half, who has been an important part of the Exeter Chiefs squad which has marched to the European Champions Cup Final against Racing 92 this coming Saturday and the English Premiership Grand Final against Wasps seven days later, looks sure to sign a new contract.

GLOUCESTER: Charlie Sharples

After signing a one-year extension last year, next summer feels like the right time for this one-club legend to hang up his boots.

DID YOU KNOW? Sharples ran a time of 11.30 seconds over the 100m distance at the age of 17

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HARLEQUINS: Marcus Smith

Bath have reportedly launched a huge move to try and sign Harlequins star, according to the Mail Online. The 21-year-old, who has also been linked with a move to Lyon in the Top 14, will be out of contract in 2021 when his current three-year contract comes to an end.

Smith, who currently earns £230k per season, is one of the most exciting prospects in world rugby could potentially double his earning to around half a million with his next move. Meanwhile, Danny Care and Chris Ashton are also set to be out of contract.

LEICESTER TIGERS: Jordan Taufua

The flanker has attracted the interest of Top 14 side Lyon, according to The Rugby Paper. The 28-year-old joined Tigers from the Crusaders in 2019 and has proved to be a big hit with Tigers supporters. He makes his comeback from a knee injury suffered towards the end of the 2019/20 season against London Irish today.. Meanwhile, experienced internationals Dan Cole and Tom Youngs are also reportedly out of contract.

LONDON IRISH: Sean O'Brien

The Ireland legend has struggled with injury since making his move to the Exiles, but will be their major departure when he likely leaves the club next summer.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS: Sam Lockwood

The prop, who went from useful replacement to startin powerhouse in the Gallagher Premiership so far. When effort and determination become sexy, make him Miss World.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS: James Grayson

The impressive young fly-halves contract expires nest summer, so get him signed up. Arguably their most consistent player.

SALE SHARKS: Manu Tuilagi

: The powerhouse could depart the AJ Bell Stadium 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.

WASPS: Brad Shields

Reports in New Zealand suggest he could return to the Southern Hemisphere, where the 29-year-old would rejoin the Hurricanes. The influential back-rower made his Super Rugby debut for the Wellington-based franchise in 2012 reached the 100-game mark at the end of the 2017 campaign.

WORCESTER WARRIORS: Duncan Weir

The ly-half has been a revelation on the pitch since joining Warriors, and has been linked with a move to Edinburgh, However, Worcester certinaly won't want to lose the 28-cap Scotland international if they can help it.