Rugby rumours and transfers: Owen Farrell, Andre Esterhuizen, Manu Tuilagi and more

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

With contract season in full swing, the market is jampacked with rumours, particularly in France, with Top 14 clubs targetting star players in the United Rugby Championship and Premiership.

Owen Farrell, Joey Carbery, Courtney Lawes

Owen Farrell’s price tag: Despite Racing 92 denying that they are in talks to sign Saracens and England star Owen Farrell, the rumours persist and were not helped by Stuart Lancaster admitting interest. However, according to The Rugby Paper, the Parisian club will need to pay Saracens €600,000 (£515,000) to buy the playmaker out of the final two seasons of his contract. This is proving to be the stumbling block as reports in France state that Racing 92 have agreed a deal with the player but the clubs still need to agree on a release fee.

Controversial replacement: According to the same report, Saracens are looking into potential replacements for Farrell and one option won’t go down well with the fans, with the club reportedly interested in Paddy Jackson. A more popular pick would be Italian international Paolo Garbisi, who Saracens are reportedly interested in, too. French reports link Ihaia West to the Premiership club as well as he could be released by La Rochelle as they attempt to cut their salary bill.

Munster fly-half and Bok centre head to France: Bordeaux have reportedly signed two internationals ahead of next season. Sud Ouest report that Joey Carbery and Rohan Janse van Rensburg have both penned deals with the Top 14 side ahead of next season.

Courtney Lawes keeps his options open: The Northampton Saints star revealed that he is open to staying at the Premiership club, but he has to be paid what he is ‘worth’ after taking a pay cut with his most recent deal. The England forward has visited Brive and Provence’s facilities in recent weeks and has been linked with a move to Toulon as well.

Manu Tuilagi, Andre Esterhuizen, Saracens sign highly-rated prop

Top 14 clubs battle for Manu Tuilagi: The England and Sale Sharks centre has again attracted interest on the market, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season. According to Midi Olympique, Bayonne and Montpellier are both interested in his services, but Perpignan is currently in pole position to seal his signature. Manu’s nephew Posolo Tuilagi is currently plying his trade at Perpignan. The Tuilagi family has a history with the club, with Manu’s older brother Henry also playing for the side.

Toulon chase Springboks centre: Andre Esterhuizen could leave Harlequins at the end of the season, with Toulon eyeing a swoop for the Rugby World Cup winner. The Top 14 club are in the market for a world-class centre, and according to Midi Olympique, they have not been put off by his high salary demands.

Saracens sign Newcastle prop: Planet Rugby understands that Saracens have signed Newcastle Falcons prop Phil Brantingham. The two clubs are still in talks to confirm when he will link up with the Londoners.

Ruan Ackermann, Tomos Williams, Jonny Hill

Ruan Ackermann ‘talking’ to a SA club: The Gloucester forward revealed to Afrikaans newspaper Rapport that he is in talks with a South African URC side as he looks to chase a Springbok call-up.

Tomos Williams signs for Gloucester: Meanwhile, the Cherry and Whites have confirmed the signing of Wales international scrum-half Tomos Williams ahead of next season from Cardiff Rugby.

Lyon target Jonny Hill: Top 14 club Lyon are reportedly interested in signing England and Sale Sharks lock Jonny Hill after failing with their previous targets. The club attempted to lure Maro Itoje and Jean Kleyn but have shifted their focus after failing to do so.

Baptiste Germain, Juan Imhoff, Waisea Nayacalevu

Toulon fail to sign Toulouse star: Antoine Dupont’s understudy, Baptiste Germain, has reportedly drawn the interest of Toulon, who attempted to lure him away from Toulouse. However, reports state that Toulon failed in their attempts as Germain is contracted until June 2025, and Toulouse were unwilling to negotiate an early exit.

Juan Imhoff released: The Los Pumas star is set to leave Racing 92 at the end of the season. The 35-year-old has been at the Parisian club since 2012, but according to Midi Olympique, he will not be offered a contract extension.

Fiji star could leave Toulon: Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu has the option to extend his contract with Toulon by another season and is considering his options. The world-class centre has reportedly held talks with Montpellier and could opt not to extend his stay with Toulon.

Pita Ahki, Kyle Sinckler, Lewis Ludlam, Wales stars

Toulouse may lose Pita Ahki: The Tongan centre has been offered a reduced salary to remain at Toulouse beyond the current season but according to Midi Olympique, he has held talks with Bordeaux and a team outside of France – with little success. The report adds that Toulouse are confident in retaining his services.

Toulon seal English duo’s signatures: Mail Sport reported this week that Kyle Sinckler is in the final stages of agreeing a deal with the Top 14 club. That report was backed up by Midi Olympique, who on Monday reported that the deal was finalised, with Northampton Saints forward Lewis Ludlam also signed for the side.

Saints close in on Aaron Wainwright: According to Mail Sport, Wainwright is exploring his options and is considering a deal with Northampton Saints, who could lose both Ludlam and Lawes next season.

Grady to remain in Wales: Centre Mason Grady has attracted interest from Premiership clubs in recent weeks but is reportedly set to remain in Wales with Cardiff Rugby. WalesOnline states that the youngster Grady is on the brink of agreeing an extension and has informed the English teams of his intention to stay in Wales.

Sean Everitt, Ma’a Nonu, Peato Mauvaka

Edinburgh boss extends: This week, the Scottish club announced that Sean Everitt penned a new two-year extension as head coach, keeping him in the Scottish capital until June 2026.

All Blacks great extends his career: Ma’a Nonu is returning to Major League Rugby for yet another season as the 41-year-old signed a contract extension with the San Diego Legion for 2024.

Clubs circle around France hooker: Les Bleus and Toulouse front-rower Peato Mauvaka has several Top 14 clubs interested in his services. Midi Olympique reports that the hooker was unhappy that he was used as a substitute during the knockout stages last season for Toulouse and could leave despite being contracted until June 2026. Montpellier, Stade Francais, Lyon and Toulon have all reportedly expressed their interest.