Out of contract in 2019: The best rugby players who will be free agents at the end of the season

Monday, 18 February 2019 at 15:25

bySteven Smith

that he still has a burning desire to continue playing rugby at the highest level, and is refusing to rule out another code switch.

Some of the world's top players are into the final year of their deals, meaning they could leave at the end of the season - RUCK takes a look at them

1. Manu Tuilagi - Leicester Tigers

Despite being at Leicester for his entire career, it's looking very unlikely that the England centre will sign a contract extension at Welford Road. It's been widely reported that he visited the Racing 92 training ground and according to the Mail Online there is a multi-million pound deal on the table.

Manu Tuilagi of England arriving before the Six Nations Championship match, between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 12th March 2016.- Photo mandatory by-line: Dean Lancaster/Pinnacle - Tel +44(0) 1363 881025 - Mobile 0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 12/03/2016 - SPORT - RUGBY - RBS Six Nations Championship - England v Wales, Twickenham Stadium, London, UK.

2. Luther Burrell - Northampton Saints

The Northampton Saints centre, who was infamously left out of the 2015 squad in favour of Sam Burgess, is set to make a sensational switch to Rugby league when his contract expires in the summer.

The Rugby Paper has linked him with Warrington Wolves while Rugby Inside Line believe his likely destination is Catalan Dragons.

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 14: Luther Burrell of Northampton looks on during the European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 3 match between Northampton Saints and Scarlets at Franklin's Gardens on November 14, 2015 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

3. 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)

4. 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

5. Kieran Read - Crusaders

Read says he will bring down the curtain on his long and illustrious All Blacks career at the World Cup in Japan next year. The back-rower, who turned 33 last November, is almost certain he'll be taking up an overseas contract. What he has not sorted out yet is where he will be going.

Kieran Read of New Zealand (All Blacks) in action during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Argentina v New Zealand at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE on Sep 20th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby

6. 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.

7. 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

Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand). New Zealand v Namibia. Rugby World Cup 2015. The Olympic Stadium. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Stratford. London. UK. PHOTO: Mandatory by-line: Garry Bowden/SIPPA/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 240915

8. 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...

9. Willie le Roux - Wasps

Wasps full-back Willie le Roux will head for the exit at the Premiership club come the end of the current season. The South Africa international will end a three-year stay at the Ricoh Arena and has long been linked with a big-money move to Japan or a possible return to his homeland. Nothing has been confirmed.

Wasps player Willie Le Roux gathers the ball during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Sale Sharks and Wasps at JW Bell Stadium on Sept 22 - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

10. 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 24: David Pocock of Australia smiles during the Australia Captain's Run ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final against Argentina at The Lensbury Hotel on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

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