Ten rugby transfers you might have missed

Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 16:00

byCharlie Elliott

The rugby transfer market has delivered no shortage of headline moves this summer, but plenty of deals have slipped under the radar.

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From blockbuster signings and surprise homecomings to transfer sagas that took unexpected twists, we've picked out 10 moves you may have missed. Some involve global stars, others could prove just as significant once the new season gets underway.

10 Jamie Ritchie to Glasgow Warriors

At the start of June, Jamie Ritchie’s return to Scotland was confirmed, although not with former club Edinburgh. Instead, the experienced back-row has joined rivals Glasgow Warriors.

The 29-year-old arrives after a season with Perpignan, making 13 appearances in the Top 14 and taking on an important leadership role within the French side.

His move to France last year was seen as a major step in his career, but injuries and the physical demands of the league limited his influence.

9 Mackenzie Martin to AS Béziers

Welsh back-row Mackenzie Martin has signed for French Pro D2 side AS Béziers on a deal running until the end of the 2028/29 season.

The 22-year-old became available after his loan spell at Dragons from Cardiff came to an end. Martin earned five Wales caps in 2024, but struggled for opportunities at Cardiff before enduring an injury-hit campaign with Dragons.

The move could affect his international eligibility as he has fewer than 25 Wales caps. However, if no Welsh region offered him a contract, he can still be selected for Wales despite playing club rugby abroad.

8 Henry Palmer to Cornish Pirates

Cornish Pirates recently announced the signing of Australian Sevens winger Henry Palmer ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The English-qualified speedster has spent the past three years in the Wallabies Sevens programme, building a reputation for his pace and finishing ability. Palmer also brings experience from the Western Force wider training squad and previous involvement with the Brumbies setup.

7 Chris Harris to Newcastle Red Bulls

Chris Harris' return to Newcastle Red Bulls has flown under the radar, largely because of the volume of recruitment at the club this summer.

The Scotland and British & Irish Lions centre heads back to the club where he first made his name, having previously made 104 appearances before leaving for Gloucester in 2019. Harris went on to play more than 100 games for Gloucester before spending last season with Bath.

6 Tommaso Allan to Zebre Parma

Back in May, Zebre Parma confirmed the signing of Italy international Tommaso Allan ahead of the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign.

Capable of playing fly-half and full-back, Allan is one of the most accomplished figures in Italian rugby. With 89 caps and 547 points for Italy, the veteran playmaker brings experience, leadership and elite goal-kicking to the squad.

Italian rugby often receives less attention than it deserves, making this a transfer many fans may have overlooked.

5 Grant Williams to Kobelco Kobe Steelers

Springboks scrum-half Grant Williams has officially completed a move to Japanese side Kobelco Kobe Steelers following his departure from the Sharks.

While Williams announced in April that he would be leaving the Durban-based outfit, his next destination was not confirmed until June. The Sharks have already lined up a replacement, bringing in Ivan van Zyl from Saracens ahead of the new season.

4 Jermaine Ainsley to Highlanders

Jermaine Ainsley's future became one of the more unusual transfer stories of the summer.

Saracens had previously confirmed they would be signing the prop from Lyon, but a back injury forced him to return home to New Zealand earlier than expected.

That opened the door for the Highlanders, who moved quickly to secure the services of the former Australia international.

3 Shannon Frizell to Highlanders

Shannon Frizell's return to the Highlanders has attracted relatively little attention, despite being a significant move in New Zealand rugby.

The 33-Test All Blacks loose forward is set to return from Japan in mid-2026 under a new agreement with New Zealand Rugby. The deal will also make him available for Tasman in the NPC, strengthening both teams ahead of his homecoming.

2 Faf de Klerk to Cheetahs

Faf de Klerk will leave Yokohama Canon Eagles at the end of the season and return to South Africa in one of the more surprising moves of the year.

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner joined the Japanese club from Sale Sharks in 2022 and became a key figure in the squad, although injuries disrupted much of the past two seasons.

Despite reported interest from Sale and several French clubs, including Perpignan, De Klerk has opted for a move to the Cheetahs.

1 Ellie Kildunne to Bristol Bears

This is undoubtedly the least overlooked transfer on the list. Ellie Kildunne's move to Bristol Bears is arguably the biggest signing in PWR history.

The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year arrives at Ashton Gate as one of the sport's biggest stars and a major statement of intent from Bristol.

Kildunne has been central to England's recent success, helping the Red Roses secure multiple Women's Six Nations Grand Slams and playing a leading role in last year's Rugby World Cup campaign, which ended with a final appearance at Allianz Stadium.

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