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Martin Johnson could replace Richard Cockerill at Leicester Tigers
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DTH van der Merwe is about to sign for Newcastle Falcons
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Dane Haylett-Petty is being targetted by big-spenders Bordeaux
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Ben Smith, Aaron Cruden and Israel Dagg could all be heading to Europe in 2017
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Johnson heading back to Tigers
Martin Johnson has been out of coaching since losing the England job in November 2011 and had seemed in no rush to return to the game.
However, the lure of managing his hometown club Leicester Tigers may have reportedly changed that perspective.
Read RUCK’s 10 contenders to take over at Welford Road: Click here
Wing DTH van der Merwe joining Newcastle
It was confirmed today that DTH van der Merwe will leave Scarlets for an as-yet-unnamed team at the end of the 2016-17 season.
The 30-year-old wing, who has averaged almost a try every two games in his two campaigns at Llanelli, becomes a free agent in the summer.
Scarlets boss Wayne Pivac confirmed today the player will depart when his contract expires in the summer.
Dean Richards had been linked with the speedster, meaning he could finally be on his way to Kingston Park ahead of the 2017/18 season.
This transfer could also open the door for Marcus Watson to leave after he was linked with a move to Wasps last month.
Bordeaux’s big bid for DHP
Western Force and Australian utility back Dane Haylett-Petty, who can be deployed on either wing as well as fullback, is being hunted by Top 14 big spenders Bordeaux Begles.
After a very impressive Autumn internationals for the Aussie flyer, it’s no wonder why the French club have put an offer in. He has also had an experience in Japan with the Tokyo Shokki Shuttles
He’d be joining fellow Wallabies Adam Ashley-Cooper and Luke Jones at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Ben Smith, Aaron Cruden and Israel Dagg all heading to Europe
At the conclusion of the British and Irish Lions series they will all have accumulated years of strong service.
And by the time the next World Cup rolls around, in Japan in 2019, Smith will be 33, Dagg will be 31 and Cruden will 30.
In short, the exit of the trio would be regrettable but understandable with a host of clubs set to make moves to acquire their services.