Louis Rees-Zammit could complete shock move very soon

Hearn and Matchroom Sport have been aggressively expanding beyond traditional boxing, snapping up elite talent and marketable names across multiple sports.

In boxing alone, the Matchroom stable already includes global stars like Anthony Joshua, Dmitry Bivol and Shakur Stevenson, alongside rising names such as Jesse Rodriguez and Diego Pacheco.

But crucially, Hearn has also started targeting rugby union. Finn Russell and Henry Pollock have already signed with Matchroom’s talent agency in recent weeks, signalling a clear strategy to bring in high-profile, media-friendly athletes.

That’s why a move for Rees-Zammit would feel less like a shock and more like the next logical step. He’s arguably one of rugby’s most recognisable faces, combining elite athleticism with serious commercial appeal — exactly the profile Hearn has been targeting.

RUCK understands that while no formal negotiations have officially begun, there has already been a conversation regarding a potential link-up. Sources indicate it remains at an early stage, but the fact dialogue has taken place will only add fuel to growing speculation.

Matchroom have also continued signing young prospects and Olympians to build future stars, showing they’re thinking long-term as well as chasing big names.

So if Rees-Zammit does make the switch, it wouldn’t be a bolt from the blue — it would be right in line with where Hearn is taking his empire.

If Hearn really wants to shake the sport, here are four names he should be chasing next.

A lesser-known but intriguing prospect, Caluori represents the kind of talent Hearn loves: raw, marketable, and on the rise.

While not yet a household name, players in this bracket offer huge upside if positioned correctly.

Hearn’s entire strategy revolves around spotting personalities early and building their commercial identity alongside their on-field growth.

If he can replicate what he sees in Pollock — charisma, edge, and narrative — Caluori could become a breakout figure under the Matchroom banner rather than just another squad player.

Few players in world rugby bring personality like Ellis Genge.

The England and Bristol Bears prop is outspoken, emotional, and unfiltered — exactly the type of figure who cuts through beyond traditional rugby audiences.

He’s already proven he can command headlines, speaking candidly about England’s struggles and the pressures of elite rugby.

For Hearn, Genge wouldn’t just be a signing — he’d be a storyteller’s dream, capable of driving media attention, debate, and crossover appeal in a way rugby rarely achieves.

One of the brightest stars in the women’s game, Ellie Kildunne offers something Hearn has always valued: elite talent combined with genuine star quality.

A standout for England, her pace, attacking flair and growing profile make her a prime candidate for mainstream exposure.

Hearn has spoken about rugby lacking visibility and storytelling — and investing in the women’s game could be a huge part of fixing that.

Kildunne has the ability to become not just a rugby name, but a recognisable sporting personality across wider audiences.

If Hearn wants a true statement signing, this is it.

Marcus Smith is already one of the most marketable players in world rugby — a Lions fly-half with flair, confidence and highlight-reel moments.

He fits perfectly into Hearn’s blueprint of building global stars, not just athletes.

With rugby still lagging behind other sports commercially, Smith represents the kind of crossover figure who could front campaigns, dominate social media, and bring new fans into the game.

Land him, and Hearn’s rugby revolution goes from ambition to reality.