Three Legendary Lions – Rugby’s Most Intriguing Free Agents in 2025
Rugby NewsThursday, 24 July 2025 at 18:58
The summer of 2025 has seen a surprising number of high-profile rugby names enter the free-agent market.
While some are seeking a final challenge abroad, others are focused on family, lifestyle, or mentoring the next generation.
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Alongside them are international players from Argentina and Italy, offering valuable depth and experience.
Here’s a breakdown of the most intriguing free agents still available—and where they might land next.
? Three Legendary Lions Still on the Market
?? Conor Murray (Age 36)
Former Club: Munster
Position: Scrum-half
Status: Unattached
Position: Scrum-half
Status: Unattached
?️ Overview:
- Retired from international rugby in March 2025 after 116 caps for Ireland and three Lions tours.
- Left Munster at the end of the 2024–25 season, stating he was seeking one last rugby experience abroad.
? Rumoured Move:
- Linked with Racing 92 (Top 14, France) – Strong connections via Owen Farrell, who recently exited Racing. Murray has been reported as a key target.
✅ Why It Fits:
- Lifestyle appeal for his young family
- Competitive league for a final chapter
- Could pair with a young scrum-half as mentor
? Liam Williams (Age 34)
Former Club: Saracens
Position: Full-back / Wing
Status: Unattached
Position: Full-back / Wing
Status: Unattached
? Life Update:
- Recently became a father and is focused on staying close to Wales.
? Rumoured Move:
- Bristol Bears – Logical geographic and professional fit. Bears have cap room and could offer flexible contract terms.
- Cardiff or Scarlets also remain possibilities if WRU funds allow.
✅ Why It Fits:
- Bristol is close to his home in Wales
- Still wants to reach 100 caps for Wales
- Mentorship potential plus part-time coaching route
? Leigh Halfpenny (Age 36)
Former Club: Harlequins
Position: Full-back / Wing
Status: Unattached
Position: Full-back / Wing
Status: Unattached
? Overview:
- Played limited minutes with Harlequins but still offers elite goal-kicking and experience.
- Has said he wants to play one more season before retiring.
? Rumoured Move:
- Béziers (Pro D2, France) – The second-tier French club is reportedly close to signing him for the 2025–26 season.
✅ Why It Fits:
- Lower intensity league, suitable for final season
- Competitive rugby with a balanced lifestyle
- Still offers sharp decision-making and kicking game
? Other Notable Free Agents
?? Franco Molina (Age 27)
Former Club: Exeter Chiefs
Position: Lock
Status: Free agent after short-term deal
Position: Lock
Status: Free agent after short-term deal
? Overview:
- Argentine international with 9 caps and a powerful lineout presence.
- Left Exeter after a short-term URC stint and is seeking a new contract in Europe.
✅ Possible Destinations:
- URC or Top 14
- Italy or Spain’s Liga Nacional also potential options
?? Hame Faiva (Age 31)
Former Club: Bath
Position: Hooker
Status: Out of contract
Position: Hooker
Status: Out of contract
? Overview:
- Only 5 appearances for Bath in 2024–25 due to rotation and injuries.
- 10 caps for Italy and still a mobile, aggressive scrummager.
✅ Possible Destinations:
- Italy (Zebre or Benetton)
- Pro D2 or Japan League One
- MLR if seeking a fresh market
?? Santiago Cordero (Age 31)
Former Club: Connacht
Position: Wing / Full-back
Status: Unattached
Position: Wing / Full-back
Status: Unattached
? Overview:
- One of Argentina’s most exciting backs of the past decade.
- Struggled with injuries in Connacht but still offers attacking spark and step.
✅ Possible Destinations:
- Top 14 return (Bordeaux or Lyon-type role)
- Pro D2 or Japan as final career destination
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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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