Round-up of rugby transfer rumours. All the latest speculation linking players with moves. Please remember these are internet rumours, gathered in one place for your convenience, not RUCK stories.
NEW DEAL | Italy ‘s legendary back-rower Sergio Parisse has reportedly turned down a move to Gallagher Premiership side London Irish, instead opting to pen a one-year extension with Toulon. FULL STORY.
TRANSFER | Bordeaux-Begles have signed giant Tonga tight-head prop Ben Tameifuna for next season, the French Top 14 club said on Tuesday. FULL STORY
TRANSFER | England back-row forward Matt Kvesic will re-join Warriors from Exeter Chiefs for the 2020/21 season on a long-term contract. FULL STORY
RUMOUR | England lock Maro Itoje could be playing in the Gallagher Premiership next season after it was revealed the England lock could join Leicester Tigers on a season-long loan. FULL STORY
NEW DEALS | Ireland back-row Jordi Murphy and versatile back Will Addison have signed new contracts with Ulster, the province announced on Tuesday. FULL STORY
NEW DEAL | Heavyweight Premiership prop Biyi Alo has signed a new deal with Wasps. FULL STORY
Ranked! The 5 worst Premiership signings of the 2019/20 season
Oh dear, oh dear. However much we will them on, sometimes deals just don’t turn out the way we hoped – or anything like it, as these disasters demonstrate.
5. Niki Goneva (Harlequins)
Described by the club as ‘a real coup’ and 'deadly finisher' when the winger joined from relegated Newcastle Falcons last summer. However, it appears that the 35-year-old, who has been a prolific try scorer throughout his career, is finally starting to slow down. He didn't cross the whitewash in his six Premiership outings for Quins this season.
4. Mark Wilson - Sale Sharks
This loan move seemed to make perfect sense, but due to a number of factors it hasn't really worked out. Undergoing knee surgery immediately following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Sharks fans didn't see him debut until a 30 minute cameo against Saracens in early February. Recalled by Eddie Jones for the Six Nations after making just one start for Sale, his loan expires on June 30. After that date, he is due to return to Newcastle and can no longer play for Sale if the season were to be extended into July.
3. Owen Franks - Northampton Saints
One of only 20 players to win the Rugby World Cup twice, the prop arrived at Franklin's Gardens with a degree of expectation on his shoulders. It was hoped he'd bring his impressive strength and scrummaging technique to the pack at Franklin’s Gardens - but he's made just four starts. Saints fans will be hoping for much more in the second half of the season.
2. Tyrese Johnson-Fisher - Bristol Bears
More disappointing than bad. The speedster, who went viral as a youngster for his four tries at Twickenham in the NatWest Schools Cup, joined Bristol last summer but left the Premiership side with immediate effect in February. He's since revealed he's taken the decision to pursue other opportunities outside of professional rugby.
1. Sean O'Brien - London Irish
London Irish again wasting money. They parted with £450,000 per season to land the experienced Ireland international. Due to a hip injury, the back-rower made just one appearance in a 39-0 defeat against Sale Sharks before the league was suspended. Sometimes signing even the best players doesn't work out.
