Rugby Transfers round-up: Ben Earl, Steve Hansen, Tommy Freeman

Monday, 11 May 2026 at 18:19

byCharlie Elliott

The past week has brought another wave of major talking points across rugby, with transfer rumours, contract negotiations and confirmed deals continuing to shape the landscape ahead of next season.

, both Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors are closely tracking the Saracens back-row, with a potential move north being considered after the next Rugby World Cup.

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From established internationals weighing up their futures to clubs moving quickly in the market, there has been no shortage of developments across the sport, alongside a number of significant career announcements making headlines.

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Chris Harris set for Newcastle return

Chris Harris is returning to Newcastle Red Bulls next season, rejoining the club where he first made his mark in professional rugby.

The Scotland international centre previously made more than 100 appearances for Newcastle before moving to Gloucester in 2019 and later Bath, where he helped secure a Premiership title.

With 47 Scotland caps and experience as a British & Irish Lions Test starter, Harris brings both leadership and top-level pedigree back to Kingston Park.

Leigh Halfpenny confirms retirement

Leigh Halfpenny will retire at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on the career of one of rugby’s most dependable stars.

The Cardiff Rugby full-back returned to his boyhood club and will now step away after 18 years competing at the highest level.

From his debut against Ulster Rugby to standout performances for the Wales national rugby union team and the British & Irish Lions, Halfpenny built a reputation on precision, resilience and delivering in the biggest moments.

Luke Cowan-Dickie linked with West Country move

RugbyPass has reported that Cowan-Dickie could soon leave Sale Sharks in order to be closer to his family in the south west.

The England and British & Irish Lions hooker is reportedly attracting interest from Bristol Bears as he considers a return to his West Country roots following three years with Sale Sharks.

Scott Sio signs for Cardiff

Cardiff have completed the signing of former Australia loose-head prop Scott Sio following Corey Domachowski’s move to Scarlets. The 34-year-old will arrive this summer after spending four seasons with Exeter Chiefs.

The 74-cap Wallaby, who now represents Samoa, will head to Cardiff Arms Park to compete with Danny Southworth and Rhys Barratt for a starting place.

Tommy Freeman attracting interest from Northampton Saints rivals

Freeman’s impressive development has naturally drawn attention from across the Prem and clubs abroad, with several teams believed to be keeping a close eye on his contract situation.

Despite that interest, Northampton Saints are eager to hold off potential suitors and secure one of their most important players on a long-term deal.

Freeman is due to enter the final year of his current contract at Franklin’s Gardens later this summer, but Saints have already acted by putting forward an early offer.

According to RugbyPass, talks are progressing positively, with no major obstacles expected to delay negotiations.

Ben Earl could make switch to league

Some of rugby league’s biggest clubs are reportedly monitoring Ben Earl after the England international revealed he has thought about changing codes.

According to City AM

Super League clubs can take advantage of salary cap exemptions when signing union players who have never played professional league, making a move for Earl financially appealing, especially with fresh NRL investment expected in the competition.

Steve Hansen delivers explosive exit from Japan

Steve Hansen signed off from Japanese rugby with a fierce criticism of refereeing standards after stepping down from Toyota Verblitz.

The former New Zealand national rugby union team head coach confirmed his departure after Verblitz’s final game of the season and openly criticised the officials in his post-match comments.

Hansen, who led New Zealand to victory at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, had been with Toyota since 2019 as director of rugby before taking over as head coach in 2024.

Speaking after the loss to Honda Heat, he said, “The quality of the refereeing was poor and I felt sorry for the players."

“In the first half, plays that should never have been allowed were permitted.

“In the second half, two tries were disallowed by the TMO and one of them was an unbelievable decision.

“I’m leaving the team so I’m going to say this now.”