Siya Kolisi is back where it all began as the Springboks captain prepares for another major chapter in his remarkable career.
The double Rugby World Cup-winning skipper has returned to the Stormers after leaving the Sharks at the end of last season.
Kolisi's move was confirmed well in advance, but with the 2026/27 campaign now arriving, attention turns to what he can bring to a Stormers squad packed with international talent.
And he isn't the only superstar starting again somewhere new.
World Cup winners, British & Irish Lions and established internationals have all changed clubs ahead of the new campaign.
Here are 10 of the most exciting signings to watch in 2026/27.
Siya Kolisi – Sharks to Stormers
There aren't many transfers with a better story than this one.
Kolisi returns to the Stormers, where his professional career began after he left school.
He made his Stormers debut in 2012 and went on to captain the side before becoming Springboks skipper.
His departure from the Sharks was an emotional one, with Kolisi confirming his farewell at the end of last season.
Kolisi explained that being closer to his children was a major factor in his decision to return to Cape Town.
“The Sharks have been a special part of my journey,” Kolisi said when his departure was announced.
“This decision wasn’t easy, but it is about being closer to my kids.”
The Stormers confirmed Kolisi's homecoming as part of their plans for the future.
RUCK also recently named Kolisi the standout arrival in our ranking of the 10 best URC signings for 2026/27.
For one of South African rugby's biggest names, it really is a homecoming.
Cheslin Kolbe – Tokyo Sungoliath to Stormers
And Kolisi isn't returning alone.
Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe has also come home to Cape Town in one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Kolbe previously made 49 appearances for the Stormers before moving overseas and becoming one of the most dangerous players in world rugby.
Since leaving South Africa, he has won major trophies in France and Japan as well as helping the Springboks win consecutive Rugby World Cups.
His return is part of an extraordinary recruitment drive in Cape Town, with Kolbe joining Kolisi and fellow Springbok Wilco Louw among the major arrivals.
We recently placed Kolbe second only to Kolisi in our ranking of the biggest URC transfers of the summer.
Now Stormers supporters get to watch him in their colours again.
A backline featuring Kolbe is worth tuning in for on its own.
Courtney Lawes – Brive to Sale Sharks
One of England's greatest forwards is back in the PREM.
Courtney Lawes has joined Sale Sharks on a one-year deal after spending two seasons with Brive in France.
The former England and British & Irish Lions star won 105 Test caps and made almost 300 appearances for Northampton Saints.
Lawes was also Saints captain when they won the PREM title in 2024.
The 37-year-old has since explained why he chose Sale instead of returning to Northampton.
His return to England has also reopened the door to international rugby, with Lawes making himself available for selection again ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Sale have recruited heavily, but Lawes is undoubtedly one of the headline arrivals.
Hoskins Sotutu – Blues to Newcastle Red Bulls
Few clubs have changed as much as Newcastle.
The Red Bulls have completely rebuilt their squad, bringing in a huge number of new players ahead of the season.
Hoskins Sotutu might be the most intriguing of them all.
The powerful former All Blacks number eight has agreed a three-year deal with Newcastle after leaving the Blues.
His move also has an international subplot.
Sotutu qualifies for England through his mother and revealed earlier this year that his representatives had explored the possibility of an international switch.
He joins a recruitment class that also includes a host of established internationals as Newcastle begin a new era.
Jac Morgan – Ospreys to Gloucester
This is a huge signing for Gloucester.
Wales captain Jac Morgan has crossed the border after leaving the Ospreys.
Morgan has established himself as one of the leading back-rowers in European rugby and was part of the victorious British & Irish Lions squad in Australia in 2025.
His work at the breakdown should make him particularly popular at Kingsholm.
And he isn't the only Welsh leader arriving at Gloucester.
Dewi Lake – Ospreys to Gloucester
Gloucester haven't signed one Wales captain.
They've signed two.
Dewi Lake has followed Morgan from the Ospreys to Kingsholm, giving Gloucester another proven international forward.
The powerful hooker brings carrying, breakdown ability and leadership to a pack that has been significantly strengthened.
The double capture was part of a wider exodus from the Ospreys, with RUCK reporting on Gloucester's major recruitment from the Welsh region.
Springbok lock Jean Kleyn is another major addition.
Gloucester's pack could be fascinating to watch.
George Martin – Leicester Tigers to Saracens
This could prove to be one of the most important English transfers.
George Martin has left Leicester Tigers to join Saracens.
The England lock is still only 25 and already has significant Test and World Cup experience.
At 6ft 6in and around 127kg, Martin provides exactly the sort of physical presence Saracens have traditionally loved in their pack.
RUCK picked Martin as Saracens' standout signing ahead of the new campaign.
If he can stay fit and produce his best rugby consistently, this could be a major move for both club and country.
Aaron Wainwright – Dragons to Leicester Tigers
Leicester responded to some significant departures by bringing in one of Wales' most experienced forwards.
Aaron Wainwright has joined Tigers after spending his entire professional career with the Dragons.
The Welsh region confirmed in January that Wainwright would depart, with the Dragons admitting they were "disappointed" to lose the Wales international.
The Wales international can operate at blindside flanker or number eight and gives Leicester another versatile option in the back row.
After more than 100 appearances for the Dragons, the move represents a completely new challenge for Wainwright.
Welford Road should suit him.
Mako Vunipola – Vannes to Leicester Tigers
Another huge name returning to English rugby.
Former England and Lions prop Mako Vunipola has joined Leicester after two seasons with Vannes in France.
Vunipola previously spent 13 years at Saracens, winning four English league titles and three European Champions Cups.
He also collected 79 England caps and toured three times with the British & Irish Lions.
His return to the PREM also creates an intriguing international storyline, with Vunipola previously linked with a possible Test rugby return.
At 35, Leicester aren't signing him for the long term.
They're getting an enormously experienced front-rower who knows exactly what it takes to win major trophies.
Joe Marchant – Stade Français to Sale Sharks
Joe Marchant is another England international coming back from France.
The centre has joined Sale Sharks from Stade Français as part of a major recruitment drive at the club.
Marchant previously played for Harlequins and was part of England's squad at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
His pace and ability to cover several positions across the backline should give Sale another attacking option.
RUCK picked Marchant alongside Lawes as Sale's headline additions for the new PREM campaign.
With Marchant, Lawes and Alex Lozowski among the new arrivals, there will be plenty of fresh faces to watch in Manchester this season.
