Rugby transfer round-up: Antoine Dupont, Pollock to Newcastle, Aki to Bristol

Sunday, 02 November 2025 at 19:37

byRugby Rucker

host Jim Hamilton was clear about the kind of player the newly rebranded club needs.

The rugby transfer market is heating up with blockbuster deals and bold ambitions shaping the sport’s landscape across Europe.

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From Antoine Dupont’s record-breaking extension in France to Newcastle’s Red Bull-fuelled recruitment drive, here’s a look at the latest moves and rumours shaking up the rugby world.

Vunipola wants England return

England powerhouse Billy Vunipola is reportedly heading for the Montpellier exit door at the end of the season, with the Top 14 side losing patience over his contract saga.

The French club — currently sitting 11th in the Top 14 with just three wins and a draw from their opening eight matches — had tabled a new deal for the former Saracens No.8, whose current contract runs out next summer.

However, according to reports, Vunipola’s camp were unimpressed by the initial offer and instead used the talks to test the market for potential suitors. Montpellier, frustrated by the lack of progress, are said to have pulled the plug on negotiations so they can line up a replacement.

Now, Newcastle Red Bulls could hand the 32-year-old a sensational route back to the Premiership. The newly rebranded club — backed by energy drink giants Red Bull — are gearing up for a major spending spree and have identified Vunipola as a marquee signing to spearhead their revival.

Full story.

Antoine Dupont Signs Record-Breaking Toulouse Extension

In a move that underlines his unrivalled status in the game, Antoine Dupont — widely regarded as the best rugby player in the world right now — has signed a four-year contract extension with Toulouse, keeping him at the French powerhouse until 2031.

The deal extends Dupont’s stay from his existing 2027 contract and is reportedly worth a jaw-dropping £1.2 million per season, making the French captain the highest-paid player in world rugby.

Full Story.

Saracens target THREE Wales internationals

Saracens are plotting a bold swoop for Wales prop Nicky Smith once his contract with Leicester Tigers expires at the end of the season — but they’ll have to fend off serious interest from France’s Top 14.

The powerhouse loosehead has been a standout performer for club and country, and his availability has sparked a scramble among Europe’s elite.

According to Rugby Pass, Sarries have already held talks with Smith, as well as his Wales teammates Jac Morgan and Tomas Williams, as they look to bolster their front-row options.

Newcastle Red Bulls Eye Scotland Star Ben White

Townsend insists he won’t be involved in recruitment decisions, but Daily Mail Sport reports that Newcastle are pressing ahead with plans to sign Scotland scrum-half Ben White — potentially the first big addition under the Red Bull umbrella.

White, 26, has become one of Townsend’s most trusted players since making his Scotland debut in 2022.

The London-born No.9 qualifies through his Scottish grandfather and has gone on to win over 25 international caps, earning a reputation for his sharp service, kicking game, and leadership.

After stints with Leicester Tigers, London Irish, and Toulon, the playmaker is now attracting serious interest from both Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Chris Harris Tipped for Newcastle Return

According to RugbyPass, the Newcastle Red Bulls are interested in bringing Scotland and British & Irish Lions outside centre Chris Harris back to Kingston Park once his current contract expires at the end of the season.

Harris, who was capped by England Counties earlier in his career, joined Bath after leaving Gloucester earlier this year and has made two appearances from the bench so far this season.

The 33-year-old made 101 appearances for the then Newcastle Falcons between 2014 and 2019 before moving to the West Country, where he added another 110 games to his tally. Despite his time away, Harris maintains strong ties to the North East, and the Red Bulls are hopeful they can tempt him back home.

Full story.

Henry Pollock Linked with Red Bull’s Ambitious Project

Despite Pollock’s continued commitment to Northampton, pundits are already linking him to the Red Bulls’ ambitious future. The Rugby Pod

“The one player Newcastle Red Bulls needs to sign is Henry Pollock. Rolls his sleeves up, he can carry. He seems like a Red Bull athlete to me. He gets the media space.”

“If this relationship with Red Bull is what we all hope it is, they have an unbelievable opportunity. It's not going to work if they are getting their pants pulled down each week. They have to make a couple of statement signings,” Hamilton said.

Pollock’s combination of athleticism, on-field dynamism, and off-field marketability seems to fit the profile of a player who could define the Red Bulls’ new era. For now, however, the England international remains focused on helping Northampton defend their Premiership crown and building his international reputation.

Lam eyes reunion with Aki

Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam is keen to sign Ireland centre Bundee Aki for next season, once Aki’s current contract expires. Lam previously worked with Aki during his time in charge of Connacht, where the pair enjoyed a strong relationship.

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