LIST: 5 rugby transfers that are definitely (probably) going to happen

Friday, 12 November 2021 at 13:48

byRugby Rucker

Here we take a look at five transfers which will almost certainly be announced before the conclusion of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership season…

#1. George Ford (Leicester to Sale Sharks)

Sale Sharks want to sign Leicester and England fly-half George Ford, director of rugby Alex Sanderson has confirmed.

The 28-year-old is the Premiership's leading scorer this season with 107 points, helping the Tigers win their first eight games.

Leicester Tigers player George Ford (c) during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Nov 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

He is in a second spell with Leicester, following four years at Bath, but was born not far away from Sale, in Oldham.

Sale have held preliminary talks with Ford and Sanderson said: "I thought it went well."

#2. George Kruis ( to Leicester

Tigers are hoping to bring former England and Lions second row George Kruis back to the Premiership next season.

Kruis, 31, has spent the last year playing in Japan for the Saitama Wild Knights following a trophy-laden 11 seasons with Saracens.

A member of the 2017 Lions squad that toured New Zealand, he has said he still has ambitions to add to his 45 England caps.

#3. Mako Vunipola (Saracens to Bristol)

Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam is reportedly investigating whether Saracens and England star Mako Vunipola would be open to a return to the city he started his professional career in.

Loosehead prop Vunipola, 30, is undoubtedly one of the finest players in his position in the world and there is a sense among fans he is one who got away having come through the youth set-up at Bristol Rugby a decade ago having been at Millfield School.

Mako Vunipola of Saracens after the Gallagher Premiership match between Saracens and London Irish at The StoneX Stadium, Hendon, London on November 6 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK

#4. Siya Kolisi (to Saracens)

The buy-out at Sarries involves rapper Jay-Z’s entertainment agency, Roc Nation, who also happen represent the South Africa captain.

Therefore, a move to North London for Kolisi, who has previously been linked with Wasps, all of sudden looks very possible. One of biggest names in the sport today, this would be a statement signing for the new ownership.

DID YOU KNOW? Kolisi is an ardent fan of English club Liverpool FC

#5. Finn Russell (Racing 92 to Green Rockets Tokatsu)

Ambitious Japanese rugby outfit Green Rockets Tokatsu are reportedly preparing a big-money move for Scotland internationalist Finn Russell, according to reports.

Japanese rugby is going through a rebranding and will be known as Japan Rugby League One for the 2022 campaign.

Ex-Australia coach Michael Cheika has been appointed by the Green Rockets as their new director of rugby, who are based in the city of Abiko and coached by Ryota Asano, and The Rugby Paper reports that Russell’s signature is at the top of Cheika’s wishlist.