Fin Smith transfer latest: England star could spark bidding war with huge offer on table

Thursday, 17 April 2025 at 18:34

byRugby Rucker

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.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

The 22-year-old fly-half is quickly becoming the hottest name on the domestic market—and Saints could struggle to keep him.

The rise of Fin

Born in Warwick but boasting Scottish roots, Smith burst onto the international scene during this year’s Six Nations, starting four of England’s last five matches and nudging Marcus Smith out of the No.10 jersey. It was a breakthrough campaign that saw his stock skyrocket—alongside his value.

Still one of the lowest-paid?

Despite helping Saints lift the Premiership trophy in 2024 and being named in the Team of the Season, Smith remains one of the lowest-paid players in Steve Borthwick’s England setup. He also scooped the RPA Players’ Player of the Year award, but a new Saints deal still hasn’t materialised.

Tigers lurking in the tall grass

, East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers are circling—and they’re ready to pounce. With £600,000 reportedly available to spend, Neil Fissler claims Tigers are planning a bold swoop, while also eyeing a short-term deal for Gloucester and Wales veteran Gareth Anscombe.

RugbyPass

Bath plotting bold Finn replacement

RUCK sources suggest Bath are also in the mix. With Finn Russell out of contract next year, they’re exploring their options—and Smith is firmly on the radar. If Russell moves on, the Rec could come calling with a hefty offer of their own.

Money talks—and Saints are struggling

Northampton, who picked up Smith after Worcester Warriors folded, have been vocal in support of a reduced salary cap after posting a £1.7 million loss. CEO Julia Chapman says the club will post a smaller loss this year—but Saints are firmly behind slashing the £6.4m cap to stay sustainable.

Welford Road calling?

With big-money offers expected to flood in and Northampton tightening the purse strings, it’s hard to see how Saints keep hold of their star playmaker. If nothing changes, don’t be surprised if Smith is wearing green, white and red by this time next year.

Duhan van der Merwe Among Four Major Doubts for Lions Tour in Devastating Blow

The British & Irish Lions tour is the pinnacle of rugby for players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—but for some big names, injury could spell disaster.

With Andy Farrell set to name his squad on May 8, time is running out for these four stars to prove their fitness and book their ticket to Australia.

Duhan van der Merwe – A Race Against Time

Scotland’s record-breaking winger Duhan van der Merwe is facing a race against time to be fit for the British & Irish Lions tour – and things aren't looking great.

The 29-year-old powerhouse, who has crossed the whitewash an incredible 32 times in just 49 Tests, picked up an ankle injury early in Edinburgh’s recent United Rugby Championship win over the Dragons.

While the club has stayed coy about the full extent of the damage, they revealed on Tuesday night that Van der Merwe is “expected to return during May” following MRI scan results earlier in the week.

That timeline means the big man is almost certain to miss the rest of Edinburgh’s run-in – somewhere between three and five matches depending on their European Challenge Cup fate – just as Lions boss Andy Farrell prepares to finalise his touring squad.

Having started all three Tests on the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa, Van der Merwe looked a near-certainty once upon a time. But with Ireland’s deadly duo James Lowe and Mack Hansen, England flyer Tommy Freeman, and his Edinburgh teammate Darcy Graham all in electric form, his chances are slipping fast.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Surgery Seals His Fate?

Feyi-Waboso’s hopes of a Lions debut have taken a huge hit after the Exeter winger finally underwent surgery on his dislocated shoulder.

After initially delaying the operation in the hope of a quicker return, the 21-year-old ultimately went under the knife in February. The recovery timeframe? 12 to 14 weeks—leaving him in a tight spot with just three months until the Lions depart for Australia.

While Feyi-Waboso burst onto the international scene with England during the Six Nations, he now faces an uphill battle to prove his fitness in time for selection. With a host of wingers—including Anthony Watson, Tommy Freeman, and James Lowe—vying for spots, his absence from club rugby could cost him dearly.

Did You Know? Feyi-Waboso balanced rugby with medical studies at Cardiff University before turning professional full-time.

WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:

HE PACKAGE INCLUDES

2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
Additional events to be announced

The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.

UK CUSTOMERS LEARN MORE HERE

Sione Tuipulotu – A Quick Healer or Out of Time?

Scotland’s midfield maestro Sione Tuipulotu is up against the clock. The Glasgow centre missed the entire Six Nations after a ‘freak’ pectoral injury in training, but head coach Franco Smith is confident he’ll return before the season’s end.

“He’ll be back, I’ve got no doubt about that,” Smith declared. “He’s a quick healer and he’s been diligent with his rehab.”

Before the injury, Tuipulotu was a nailed-on Lions candidate. His electric form for Scotland in the autumn made him one of the first names on fantasy Lions squads. But with Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, and even Scotland teammate Tom Jordan playing themselves into contention, Tuipulotu has a serious fight on his hands.

Lions Trivia: The last Glasgow Warriors player to start a Lions Test? Stuart Hogg in 2021.

Ollie Lawrence – Achilles Blow Ends His Lions Dream

One player already ruled out is England’s Ollie Lawrence. The dynamic centre’s season is officially over after he ruptured his left Achilles tendon during England’s win over Italy in the Six Nations.

Head coach Steve Borthwick confirmed the grim news in his post-match press conference, revealing that Lawrence faces a recovery time of nine to twelve months—far longer than the three months left before the Lions tour begins.

Lawrence took to social media, writing: “Lost for words… That’s not how I imagined my season to end! The comeback is always greater than the setback.”

With Lawrence sidelined, the Lions’ midfield puzzle just got even more interesting, with Manu Tuilagi, Henry Slade, and Joe Marchant all eyeing up a spot on the plane.

Did You Know? Lawrence made his England debut at just 21 years old against Italy in 2021.

You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz

The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.

From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.

Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!

England U18s: Flying Saracen Zac Finch on the U18 Six Nations and a whirlwind year

Statement: France international confirms retirement