Former England number 8 Sam Simmonds set for shock transfer this summer

. “Joan Caudullo and his staff should be able to count on the services of Langi Gleeson during the 2025/2026 season."

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The 29-year-old former Exeter Chiefs star is currently in his second season in France and, by the looks of it, won’t be heading back to the Premiership any time soon.

As Simmonds packs his bags for Lyon ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Montpellier have been on the hunt for a new wrecking ball at number eight — and it looks like they’ve found their man Down Under.

Reports from Rugbyrama suggest the Top 14 side have secured a deal for rising Wallaby star Langi Gleeson, who’s expected to join the club after next season.

The 23-year-old back-rower has been a standout for the Waratahs since making his Super Rugby Pacific debut in 2022. He featured off the bench in all four of Australia’s Autumn Nations Series matches last year, facing off against England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Now, he’s set to put his 14-cap Test career on hold for a shot at the French Top 14 with Montpellier.

“There will be changes in the back row at Montpellier during the next off-season,” claimed Rugbyrama

"The player who currently wears the colours of the Waratahs has given his agreement to give a new boost to his career and discover the French championship.”

Gleeson is expected to slot straight into the eight jersey vacated by Simmonds, as Montpellier continue their rebuild under former Bath and Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold.

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.

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.

Dan looked to be the hooker-in-waiting not long ago, but with Luke Cowan-Dickie back in the mix and firing, the Saracen has tumbled down the pecking order.

He managed just a single appearance in the 2025 Six Nations, coming off the bench late against Ireland when the game was already slipping away.

He gave it his all and made his presence felt in the collisions, but the timing didn’t allow for a real impact.

With Jamie George still first choice and LCD surging back, Dan might be sweating over that central contract renewal.

Possible replacement: Luke Cowan-Dickie

With the England hooker pool still fairly tight, LCD’s return to form after a spell on the sidelines could see him leapfrog others back into the starting role. His set-piece mastery and work rate up front could be enough to secure him a spot, especially with competition thinning out.

Here’s the big one. Ford, the experienced general with nearly a century of caps, has found himself on the fringes thanks to Fin Smith’s electric rise.

He only got a sliver of game time during the Championship – a brief stint against Wales – but what a cameo it was.

Two assists and a masterclass in game management. Classic Ford: overlooked, underrated, but undeniably brilliant.

With both Smiths tipped for Lions duty this summer, Ford will have a golden window to remind everyone – including Borthwick – why he still deserves that England contract.

Possible replacement: Jack van Poortvliet (this would even up the squad with two scrum-halves and two fly-halves)

A real option for the future at scrum-half, van Poortvliet could offer Borthwick the ideal balance in the half-back department. With the potential for two fly-halves and two scrum-halves in the squad, van Poortvliet's dynamism and composure could provide the extra spark needed to even things out.