4 Jermaine Ainsley to Highlanders
Jermaine Ainsley’s future became one of the more unusual transfer stories of the summer.
Saracens had previously confirmed they would be signing the prop from Lyon, but a back injury forced him to return home to New Zealand earlier than expected.
That opened the door for the Highlanders, who moved quickly to secure the services of the former Australia international.
3 Shannon Frizell to Highlanders
Shannon Frizell’s return to the Highlanders has attracted relatively little attention, despite being a significant move in New Zealand rugby.
The 33-Test All Blacks loose forward is set to return from Japan in mid-2026 under a new agreement with New Zealand Rugby. The deal will also make him available for Tasman in the NPC, strengthening both teams ahead of his homecoming.
2 Faf de Klerk to Cheetahs
Faf de Klerk will leave Yokohama Canon Eagles at the end of the season and return to South Africa in one of the more surprising moves of the year.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner joined the Japanese club from Sale Sharks in 2022 and became a key figure in the squad, although injuries disrupted much of the past two seasons.
Despite reported interest from Sale and several French clubs, including Perpignan, De Klerk has opted for a move to the Cheetahs.
1 Ellie Kildunne to Bristol Bears
This is undoubtedly the least overlooked transfer on the list. Ellie Kildunne’s move to Bristol Bears is arguably the biggest signing in PWR history.
The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year arrives at Ashton Gate as one of the sport’s biggest stars and a major statement of intent from Bristol.
Kildunne has been central to England’s recent success, helping the Red Roses secure multiple Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams and playing a leading role in last year’s Rugby World Cup campaign, which ended with a final appearance at Allianz Stadium.
QUIZ: Can you name every Premiership winning captain since 2000?
Think you know your rugby history? This quiz will test your memory and knowledge of the game’s leaders — your task is simple: name every Premiership Rugby–winning captain since 2000.
From legendary skippers who lifted multiple trophies to surprise champions who made history, see if you can recall them all. Get ready to scrum down and show off your Premiership pedigree!
