Ealing Trailfinders have announced the signing of Abongile Nonkontwana from the Blue Bulls on a two-year deal.
The South African, who can play in the second-row or across the back-row is another sizeable addition to the squad for the 2020/21 season, standing at 6ft 4” tall and weighing 110 kg.
The 25-year-old came through the youth system at the Bulls where he featured in the Currie Cup on 27 occasions, before signing a first team deal in 2017.
He then made nine appearances for the Pretoria based side in Super Rugby before moving to the Cheetahs for the 2018/19 campaign, playing 16 times in the Pro 14.
Nonkontwana then returned to the Bulls for the 19/20 Super Rugby season, but with the COVID-19 pandemic meaning it was brought to an early conclusion he has now committed to a new challenge at Trailfinders Sports Club.
He is the Championship clubs 20th new signing ahead of the 2020/21 Championship season, which includes Charlie Walker, Guy Thompson and Dean Hammond.
JOIN THE RUCK:
The highest paid players at every Gallagher Premiership club
Bath: Taulupe Faletau – £550,000
Bristol Bears: Charles Piutau – £1m
The former All Black full-back or wing, who surprised many by leaving New Zealand before reaching the peak of his powers, has allegedly become British rugby’s first million pound man.
Exeter Chiefs: Stuart Hogg – £500,000
The fullback signed a new deal recently, accepting a slight pay-cut.
Gloucester Rugby: Danny Cipriani – £380,000
The fly-half was on £190,000 to £200,000, which was a relatively modest wage for a player of his calibre and experience. It’s been reported that his new deal is closer to the £400,000 Toulon offered him.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 2
Harlequins: Mike Brown (£300,000)
The three England stars remain the highest paid players at the Stoop.
Leicester Tigers: Manu Tuilagi – £460,000
with the England centre’s appearances for club Leicester and country sporadic through a variety of ailments.
London Irish: Paddy Jackson – £400,000
The number 10 will reportedly earn more than his ex-international teammate, who’ll also pocket a hefty £350,000 wage packet.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 3
Newcastle Falcons: Toby Flood – £250,000
Northampton Saints: Dan Biggar – £500,000
Wales’ ‘Governor’ was a catalyst for the Ospreys, being a superb club man and racking up a points record. But he decided to sample life “outside the goldfish bowl” of Wales with a big money offer enticing him to Northampton Saints.
Sale Sharks: Manu Tuilagi – £350,000
The centre took a £100,000 paycut to join the Sharks after leaving Leicester. He is reportedly set to take Tigers to court to recoup his loss of earnings.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 4
Saracens: Owen Farrell – £750,000
Farrell will remain at the club that he has called ‘home’ since the age of 14 until at least 2022, earning himself a hefty pay-rise in the process. His new deal means he will now earn in excess of £750,000 a season, bringing him in line with some of the highest paid players in the world.
Wasps: Joe Launchbury – £420,000
The England second-row became the clubs highest paid player after extending his contract earlier this season.
Worcester Warriors: Matt Kvesic
The local boy has returned to Sixways following successful stints with Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs.
