The upcoming 2022 summer transfer window is going to be a particularly weird one. Clubs have felt the financial impact of the pandemic, but at the same time, there seems to be more stars on the market than ever before.
Stick or twist? Gamble or play it safe?
#1. Siya Kolisi
- Age: 30
- Position: Flanker
- Honours: South Africa, 56 caps
- Potential destinations: Saracens, Wasps
The buy-out at Sarries involves rapper Jay-Z’s entertainment agency, Roc Nation, who also happen represent the South Africa captain. Therefore, a move to North London for Kolisi, who has previously been linked with Wasps, all of sudden looks very possible. One of biggest names in the sport today, this would be a statement signing for the new ownership.
DID YOU KNOW? Kolisi is an ardent fan of English club Liverpool FC
#2. Tadhg Furlong
- Age: 28
- Position: Tighthead-prop
- Honours: Ireland & Lions, 49 & 6 caps
- Potential destinations: Sale Sharks, Harlequins, Saracens
Wantaway Leinster prop Furlong signed a one year extension to stay with the Irish province due to the ongoing pandemic back in June. It looks right now like the farming tighthead will head to Racing 92 or Toulon next summer, but you wouldn't be shocked if he rocked up in the Gallagher Premiership. Sale Sharks were linked with a move for the tighthead-prop last summer, while Harlequins and Saracens have also been linked with powerhouse.
DID YOU KNOW? Furlong comes from a farming family in the parish of Horeswood in County Wexford
#3. George Kruis
- Age: 31
- Position: Second-row
- Honours: England & Lions, 45 & 1 caps
- Potential destinations: Leicester Tigers, Saracens
Kruis has revealed he will likely be BACK in the Premiership next season following his stint in Japan. The 31-year-old, who won 45 England caps between 2014 and 2020, has been linked with Leicester Tiger and a return to Saracens in recent months.
#4. Conor Murray
- Age: 32
- Position: Scrum-half
- Honours: Ireland & Lions, 89 & 8 caps
- Potential destinations: Exeter Chiefs, Saracens
Another Lions out of contract next summer is the Ireland scrum-half. Sarries, who have had to loan in Joe Simpson due to a lack of depth at scrum-half, would surely be in the race to sign this box-kicking machine. Murray, who has spent his entire career at Munster, has hinted he could leave Thomond Park in 2022.
DID YOU KNOW? With his Dad also being called Gerard, Murray was known by his middle name, Conor, from early in his life.
#5. Alun Wyn Jones
- Age: 36
- Position: Lock
- Honours: Wales & Lions, 148 & 12 caps
- Potential destinations: Leicester Tigers, Saracens
Reuniting Maro Itoje with his Lions second-row teammate would be box-office. Despite his advancing years, this would be a marquee signing for the club. Leicester Tigers have also been previously linked with the Wales captain.
DID YOU KNOW? He is the world's most-capped rugby union player, with 160 international appearances
