Rugby transfer round-up: Ardie Savea, Tom Curry, Seb Atkinson

Rugby Transfer News
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The rugby transfer market continues to move at pace, with clubs across the globe making moves as the domestic season begins.
With plenty of contracts expiring before the 2027 World Cup, plenty of players are finalising their futures.
Here is a look at some of the biggest recent moves, deals and transfer developments from around the rugby world.

Charlie Atkinson stays put

Charlie Atkinson has signed a new contract with Gloucester Rugby, keeping him at Kingsholm until at least 2029.
The 24-year-old joined the club in early 2024 and has quickly established himself as an important member of the Cherry & Whites squad. He has made six appearances for England A and earned his senior England debut against the USA last year.
RUCK broke the news a few weeks ago, becoming the first outlet to report the story.

Carwyn Tuipulotu joins Exeter

RUCK understands Exeter Chiefs have signed Welsh back row Carwyn Tuipulotu on a short-term deal.
The 25-year-old began the season as a free agent after featuring for Dragons during pre-season, but will now return to PREM Rugby with the Chiefs.
Tuipulotu has made 48 appearances for Scarlets and has also played for Saracens and French club Pau.

Fehi Fineanganofo delays Newcastle move

Fehi Fineanganofo will remain in New Zealand through 2027.
The 24-year-old outside back has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes until the end of 2027.
He will then join Newcastle Red Bulls on a deal running from 2027 to 2029.
The new agreement allows Fineanganofo to remain in New Zealand and continue pushing for All Blacks selection ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He helped the Hurricanes win Super Rugby Pacific in 2026, breaking the competition's try-scoring record before making his All Blacks debut.

Seb Atkinson attracting interest

England centre Seb Atkinson is reportedly attracting interest from Harlequins and Saracens as he enters the final year of his Gloucester contract.
The 24-year-old has established himself as one of PREM Rugby's standout centres and now has seven England caps under Steve Borthwick.
Atkinson has been at Kingsholm since 2022, but Gloucester could face a major battle to retain him with two London clubs monitoring his situation.
Leicester Tigers have also been linked with a move, although it is understood Atkinson would prefer to live in London, largely due to personal factors with his girlfriend based there.
Gloucester remain keen to keep hold of the centre, but growing interest from elsewhere could make that difficult.

Ollie Sleightholme to leave Saints

Ollie Sleightholme is set to leave Northampton Saints, RUCK understands.
After more than a decade at Franklin's Gardens, the England winger is expected to move on when his current contract expires next summer.
Saracens have emerged as potential suitors, while Gloucester and Bristol Bears are also understood to be interested.
A move to France could also be an option.
Still only 26, Sleightholme's pace and finishing ability should ensure plenty of interest in his services.

Tom Curry signs new deal

Tom Curry has committed his future to Sale Sharks.
The England and British & Irish Lions star has signed a new two-year contract, keeping him at the club until at least 2028.

PREM clubs chasing Malelili Satala

RUCK understands Leicester Tigers, Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs are all interested in 21-year-old Edinburgh winger Malelili Satala.
The English-qualified former Tigers back has impressed since joining Edinburgh in 2025 and scored in their URC opener against Ulster last weekend.
Born in Edinburgh and also eligible to represent Fiji, Satala could now be heading back to Gallagher PREM.

Ardie Savea set to join Blues

Ardie Savea is set to join the Blues on a one-year deal ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, according to reports in New Zealand.
The 32-year-old All Blacks captain was left without a Super Rugby club following the collapse of Moana Pasifika.
Savea became the biggest free agent in world rugby after completing his sabbatical with Kobe Steelers, where he won the Japan Rugby League One title under Dave Rennie.
Savea will reportedly remain in Auckland, which was also the former home of Moana Pasifika.
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