-
Stuart Lancaster has been linked with a move to Aviva Premiership side, Northampton Saints
-
Exeter’s Henry Slade is rumoured to be Bath No.1 target to replace George Ford
-
Leigh Halfpenny’s contract at Toulon expires in the Summer and once again there is plenty of attention his way
Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster, who was infamously axed after their poor showing at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has been linked with a move to midlands side, Northampton Saints.
Jim Mallinder currently has the reigns at Franklin’s Gardens, but with team morale low and pressure beginning to build, this is an appointment that could happen sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, social media yesterday was alive once again with the rumour that Henry Slade will be moving to Bath at the end of this season.
Some were saying a straight swap for George Ford, though that seems a bit of a long shot as the England fly-half is almost nailed on to join Sale Sharks.
Elsewhere, Leigh Halfpenny’s contract at Toulon, which expires in the Summer, has once again sparked the rumour mill into action as there would be undoubtedly be a lot of interest from clubs back in the UK.
Cardiff Blues, Ospreys and Scarlets have/will all no doubt be expressing an interest, but with his dual contract (if signed in Wales) comes in a hefty wage drop.
Therefore a move to the Aviva Premiership seems the more likely with both Bath and Gloucester desperate for Halfpenny as they look to strengthen following major losses.
The Cherry and Whites, who lose goalkickers Greig Laidlaw and James Hook at the end of the season, could be strengthened by the financial backing of billionaire business Mohed Altrad, giving the club a better chance of securing the Welshman’s signature.
The move would also give the Wales international the oppertunity to move back to Wales while still making some serious money.