Rugby Transfers: The five strangest moves this season

Ahead of next season, there are several deals that feel slightly out of the ordinary for a range of different reasons.

From unexpected destinations to surprising career choices and unusual timing, these are the most random transfers shaping the game.

Almost every PREM Rugby club would have been interested in signing Lawes after he confirmed his intention to return to England following his spell at Brive.

Given his strong ties to Northampton Saints and the financial backing at Newcastle Red Bulls, it was somewhat surprising that he chose Sale Sharks, who have struggled this season.

However, the move makes more sense when considering that his wife is from Cheshire. Lawes will bring significant experience and quality to Sale Sharks, who are undergoing a major rebuild under Alex Sanderson ahead of next season.

De Klerk could have joined almost any club in the world after deciding to leave Japan, which makes his move to the Cheetahs particularly surprising.

While returning to South Africa is understandable, he might have been expected to join a URC side and continue competing at the highest level. The Cheetahs currently compete in the Challenge Cup and Currie Cup, which seems below a player of his calibre.

For a two time World Cup winner still performing at a high level at 34, this move raises questions unless there are future plans for the Cheetahs that are not yet public.

On the surface this appears to be a straightforward transfer between two established clubs. However, the situation has become unusual due to uncertainty surrounding the deal.

Ainsley’s proposed move to Saracens is now in doubt after he cut short his time at Lyon and returned to New Zealand following a back injury, something that rarely disrupts transfers at this stage.

This transfer stands out for how impressive it is. Newcastle have been able to invest heavily following Red Bull’s acquisition, and Fineanganofo could be their standout signing.

He recently scored four tries for the Hurricanes against the Brumbies and looks like a future All Black if he had remained in New Zealand.

At just 23, he has already scored 14 tries in nine Super Rugby matches this season. Moving to a Newcastle side currently bottom of the Prem makes this a unique and ambitious transfer.

It is rare for a Champ player to be signed by a Top 14 club, which makes this move particularly notable. Hoyt will join Lyon from Worcester Warriors at the end of the season.

Previously part of Leicester Tigers, the 23 year old made several appearances in the Prem Rugby Cup and one in the Premiership.

He has also featured for Chinnor and Nottingham in the Champ and represented England U20s before committing internationally to Fiji, earning two caps against France and Spain last autumn.