Out of Contract 2019: 11 of the Best Rugby Players Who Will Be Free Agents at the End of the Season
Top 10s/ListsFriday, 03 May 2019 at 12:24
Here are 11 of the best rugby players whose contracts are set to expire, and which clubs are rumoured to be in the hunt for them.
11. Bryce Heem (Worcester Warriors)
It's common knowledge that the speedster is leaving Sixways at the end of this season, and it's not surprising who's picking him up. He's been consistently impressive in the Premiership, which has caught the eye of the Top 14's big-spenders Toulon.
10. George Smith (Bristol Bears)
It's been confirmed that 38-year-old back-rower will leave Ashton Gate in the summer. The 111-capped Wallaby still seems to have a lot to give and could be returning to Japan.
9. Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby)
Priestland joined the Club in 2015 and has made over 60 appearances for the Blue, Black and White since his arrival from Welsh side Scarlets. He is likely to return to Wales...
8. Sekope Kepu
Kepu has previously played in France with Bordeaux in the 20161/6 season and his signing would be a huge coup for the club. It is believed Kepu is keen to return to Europe after this year's World Cup and wants to test himself in England’s top division. London Irish are the current favourites to sign the powerhouse.
7.Vereniki Goneva (Newcastle Falcons)
The Fijian speedster has established himself as a fan favourite at Kingston Park but this will more than likely be his final season in the North East. The 33-year-old powerhouse is rumoured to be heading to France as he looks to sign one last big-money contract before hanging up his boots.
Newcastle Falcons player Vereniki Goneva is tackled during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Newcastle Falcons and Saracens at Kingston Park on Sep 02 - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
6. Gavin Henson
After leaving Dragons, Wales international Gavin Henson could return to the Premiership according to The Rugby Paper. He is reportedly being touted to English clubs, as well as others in the Pro14 and Top14 leagues as possible cover during the World Cup in Japan, which eats into the start of next season.
Wales' Gavin Henson back in the Wales team, during the team line ups - Photo mandatory by-line: Dan Mullan/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 13/08/2011 - SPORT - RUGBY 2011 Rugby World Cup warm-up match - Wales v England, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.
5. Ben Te'o
It has already been confirmed by Worcester that the centre is leaving Sixways, however, his next club has yet to be confirmed. There is significant interest from Premiership and Top 14 clubs while a move back to Rugby League in Australia has also been rumoured.
Ben Teo of England celebrates first try during the RBS 6 Nations match, between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 4th February 2017.
4. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)
He has fended off rumours he is engaged in contract talks with an English club for after this year's Rugby World Cup. His future is unclear for now.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Brodie Retallick of the All Blacks carries the ball in a maul during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at Westpac Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
3. James Haskell (Northampton Saints)
He signed for Northampton Saints for next season on a one-year contract. The back-rower then may hang up his boots or head abroad once again.
2. David Pocock (Brumbies)
Pocock's manager, Brian Levine, said the flanker turned down lucrative offers from overseas because of his "strong belief" in the direction of the Wallabies under coach Michael Cheika. However, with his contract expiring soon, it'll be interesting to see if that opinion has changed...
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 10: David Pocock of Australia leaves the field during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Australia and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on October 10, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
1. Sonny Bill Williams (Blues)
It would be understandable for 33-year-old Williams to want to cap a stellar career at the conclusion of the showpiece tournament in Japan, but he insists he still has plenty more to give on the field. The 51-test veteran told the Sydney Morning Herald that he still has a burning desire to continue playing rugby at the highest level, and is refusing to rule out another code switch.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 31: Sonny Bill Williams poses during a New Zealand All Blacks Rugby World Cup Squad Portrait Session on August 31, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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