The rugby transfer market has been busy over the past week, with clubs across the Prem, United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby Pacific and beyond confirming signings, departures and contract extensions. Here’s a complete breakdown of the latest developments.
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Gloucester Rugby Strengthen Their Pack With Joe Joyce
Gloucester Rugby have confirmed the signing of experienced English lock Joe Joyce from United Rugby Championship side Connacht Rugby.
The 31-year-old second-row joined Connacht in 2022 after spending a decade with Premiership rivals Bristol Bears. Since moving to Ireland, Joyce has made 46 appearances in all competitions, including nine outings during the current campaign. His arrival brings further depth and experience to the Cherry and Whites’ engine room.
Full Article: Gloucester confirm signing of former Bristol Bears lock
Cam Jordan Set for Newcastle Move
Gloucester will also see a departure this summer, with lock Cam Jordan joining Newcastle Red Bulls on a two-year deal.
The 6ft 6in forward, 26, has made over 70 appearances during four and a half seasons at Kingsholm. A graduate of the Leicester Tigers academy, Jordan departs having established himself as a reliable option in Gloucester’s pack.
Western Force Add Argentine Hooker as Injury Cover
Super Rugby Pacific side Western Force have confirmed the signing of Argentine hooker Leonel Oviedo on an injury cover contract for the 2026 season.
The 27-year-old has arrived in Perth and has already begun training alongside fellow Argentines Franco Molina and Agustin Moyano. Oviedo joins from Dogos XV Córdoba, where he scored seven tries in 16 appearances during the 2025 Super Rugby Americas campaign, helping the club finish runners-up.
Bath Prop Francois van Wyk Bound for Connacht
Bath Rugby have announced that loose-head prop Francois van Wyk will leave the club at the end of the 2025/26 Premiership season.
Van Wyk is set to move to Ireland to join Connacht Rugby ahead of the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign, marking the next chapter of his career after several seasons in the West Country.
Full Article: Bath announce exit of South African prop – move confirmed to Connacht for 2026/27 season
Leicester Tigers Secure Elliott Stooke Signing
Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of lock Elliott Stooke, who will join the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The former Bath forward arrives from Japanese side Red Hurricanes, adding further experience and physicality to the Tigers’ forward pack as they continue to plan for the future.
Exeter Chiefs Confirm Return of Nika Abuladze
Exeter Chiefs have announced the return of Georgian international prop Nika Abuladze, who will rejoin the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 30-year-old loosehead previously represented the Chiefs before leaving for Montpellier in June 2024. During his earlier spell in Devon, Abuladze made 16 appearances across all competitions and now returns with additional Top 14 experience.
Angus Crichton to Switch Codes With NSW Waratahs
Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs have confirmed that Angus Crichton will return to rugby union, signing a two-year deal that begins in 2027.
The former Australian Schoolboys representative switches back to the 15-a-side game after a highly successful decade in rugby league with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters. During his NRL career, Crichton earned State of Origin honours and international recognition, establishing himself as one of the competition’s elite forwards.
Full Article: NRL star Angus Crichton switches to union
Conor Murray Joins Six Nations Broadcast Team
While not a playing transfer, Ireland and Munster legend Conor Murray will take on a new role this season as part of Virgin Media Television’s Guinness Six Nations coverage.
One of the most influential scrum-halves of the professional era, Murray won five Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams. Known for his tactical control and big-game temperament, his presence adds significant expertise to the broadcaster’s studio panel.
Viliame Mata Commits Future to Bristol Bears
Bristol Bears have confirmed that number eight Viliame Mata has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2027.
The Fiji international has been a standout performer since arriving from Edinburgh in 2024, scoring 11 tries in 28 appearances. At 34, Mata continues to deliver at the highest level, bringing leadership, power and experience, backed by 38 international caps.
Sale Sharks Land Welsh International Tomos Francis
Finally, Sale Sharks have announced the signing of Welsh international tighthead prop Tomos Francis.
Francis joins from French side Provence on a two-year deal, starting next season. The experienced front-rower adds proven international and Premiership pedigree to the Sharks’ pack as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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