Rugby rumours and transfers: Jack Willis, Duane Vermeulen, Henry Slade and more

Planet Rugby recaps some of the biggest transfer news, rumours and movements in the world of rugby union over the past week.

Louis Rees-Zammit, Jack Willis and Duane Vermeulen

Louis Rees-Zammit chases his NFL dream: It came from nowhere! But the Wales and Lions flyer announced that he is taking a break from rugby to chase his dream of becoming an NFL player. Gloucester agreed to release him from his contract, and the winger departed for Florida on Friday.

More players follow Rees-Zammit: The Welsh winger is not the only rugby player chasing an NFL contract as former England U20 captain Harry Mallinder, ex-Coventry lock George Smith, and former Connacht fly-half Darragh Leader will join him.

Jack Willis extends stay with Toulouse: England will not be able to call on the services of flanker Willis until at least 2026. According to Midi Olympique, he allowed the automatic contract extension to activate in December, which will keep him in Toulouse until the end of the 2025/26 season. The clause was there to allow him to return to England if he wished.

Duane Vermeulen‘s coaching career: Having retired from rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Vermeulen looks set to make his first move into coaching, with the Rapport stating that he will meet with the Stormers this week to discuss a role in their structures. The report adds that he turned down the Bulls’ advances, who wanted him to be their defence coach and could even join Western Province’s junior ranks.

Joe Schmidt, Richard Cockerill and Henry Slade

Joe Schmidt takes over from Eddie Jones: The Wallabies have their new head coach with Schmidt taking on his first head coaching role since 2019, signing an 18-month contract with Rugby Australia. The New Zealander said that he is desperate to get the Wallabies firing again.

Richard Cockerill takes Georgia gig: The former England assistant coach was sacked by Montpellier after a poor start to the season but has quickly rebounded and will take charge of Georgia as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Cockerill will combine his international role with heading up the domestic Black Lion side.

New England captain extends Sarries stay: It was a memorable week for Saracens veteran Jamie George, who signed a two-year contract extension with his club before being unveiled as England skipper for the Six Nations.

Exeter fight to retain Henry Slade’s services: Exeter Chiefs have reportedly made in-form centre Slade a ‘very good offer’ to extend his stay at the Premiership club, according to The Rugby Paper. However, Slade is exploring his options and has drawn Stade Francais’ interest.

Jacques du Plessis, Le Roux Roets and Matt Gallagher

Bath on the verge of signing giant South African: Johann van Graan looks set to add another South African to his ranks, with the Telegraph reporting that the Premiership club is verging on signing Bulls forward Jacques du Plessis. The 30-year-old is being targeted after the club missed out on the signing of RG Snyman, who will join Leinster instead.

Sale sign Le Roux Roets: According to The Rugby Paper, Sale Sharks have signed Roets as a replacement for Cobus Wiese, who is believed to be joining the Bulls next season. Roets has made just three appearances for the Durban-based Sharks this season due to injury and previously played for the likes of the Waratahs and Racing 92.

Matt Gallagher to return to Munster? The Rugby Paper reports that Gallagher is nearing a return to Limerick and is in advanced talks with the Irish club. His contract expires at the end of the current season, and he could return to Munster for a second stint.

Henry Thomas, Kieran Brookes and Jordan Hendrikse

Henry Thomas trades Top 14 clubs: The England and Wales international prop left Montpellier this week and made the immediate move to Castres. The 32-year-old was released by Montpellier when he was named in Wales’ 2023 Rugby World Cup squad but signed a deal back with the side after the tournament. Now, he has left until the end of the season to link up with Castres.

Kieran Brookes off to Perpignan: Former Wasps prop Brookes will leave Toulon at the end of the season and link up with his former head coach Franck Azema at Perpignan. It’s a further boost for the side that has already signed Giorgi Beria and extended the contract of Alivereti Duguivalu by two years until 2026.

Double blow for the Lions: According to the Rapport, the Sharks have secured the signature of Lions fly-half Jordan Hendrikse ahead of next season. Jordan will link up with brother Jaden at the Durban-based side, with an insider telling the newspaper that the deal has been officially signed after months of speculation. Meanwhile, the Lions are also set to lose scrum-half Andre Warner, who has signed to join the Houston Sabercats.

Tumua Manu, Arthur Clark and Jamie Bhatti

Tumua Manu extends Pau stint: The Samoan international centre has been a standout for the French club since arriving from the Chiefs and has now had his form rewarded with a three-year contract extension. The Top 14 club also extended the contract of full-back Thomas Carrol.

Quins add lock cover: Following injuries to Dino Lamb and Stephan Lewis, Harlequins have added depth in the second-row with the short-term loan signing of Gloucester lock Arthur Clark.

Scotland prop re-signs: Glasgow Warriors announced this week that Jamie Bhatti had signed a new deal with the side through to the 2024/25 season. The loosehead is on the cusp of 100 appearances for the club and has been included in Gregor Townsend’s Six Nations squad.

Rio Dyer, Alex Mann, Joe Powell and Jules Plisson

Dragons flyer extends stay: The Dragons announced this week that Wales international winger Rio Dyer has committed his future to the club. The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a new multi-year contract to remain at Rodney Parade.

Rising stars ink new Cardiff deals: Alex Mann signed a new long-term contract with Cardiff this week following his inclusion in Wales’ Six Nations squad. He followed Cam Winnett in signing an extension, who also earned his Test call-up, while a busy news week for Cardiff was completed with Mackenzie Martin also signing a long-term deal.

Wallaby joins Lyon: According to reports in France, Wallabies scrum-half Joe Powell has left Leicester Tigers to join Lyon as injury cover for the Top 14 club. He will reportedly be joined by Highlanders prop Jermaine Ainsley.

Ambitious French side sign Les Bleus international: Provence Rugby have announced the signing of Jules Plisson ahead of next season. The former Les Bleus fly-half will join the side from Clermont and will link up with Wales star George North.

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