Rugby Transfers: Vunipola joins new Top 14 big spenders, Springbok free to leave and mega moves in France

Joseph Dweba, Mako Vunipola and Matthieu Jalibert

Our latest rugby transfer and rumours update centres around Mako Vunipola’s new club, the Stormers allowing a Springbok to depart and the big movements that could be happening in France.

While the 2024/25 season fast approaches, a significant date is on the French rugby market as clubs can now approach players whose contracts expire at the end of the upcoming season.

This has already resulted in a number of transfer rumours, with several Top 14 stars off-contract in July of next year.

While some French clubs are looking way ahead, many other teams are still wrapping up their business ahead of the new season as we take a look at the last few ins and outs and rumours.

Mako Vunipola seals French move

Saracens already announced that both Billy and Mako Vunipola would be leaving the club at the end of the season and while the former’s next stop – Montpellier – was confirmed some time ago, the latter has only now secured his move.

The ex-England loosehead will join his younger brother in the Top 14 next season but not at the same club as he heads to newly promoted Vannes, who have made some high-profile signings ahead of their debut season in France’s top flight.

Vunipola has signed a two-season deal with Vannes and follows Fijian powerhouse Filipo Nakosi in joining the side.

Vannes have also signed Chile’s Rugby World Cup star Inaki Ayarza and ex-Racing 92 and All Blacks centre Francis Saili at the newly promoted club.

Premiership ins and outs: The complete list of the 2024/25 player transfers

Joseph Dweba free to leave Stormers

Joseph Dweba’s future at the Stormers has been a hot topic of late after attracting interest from Premiership club Sale Sharks, who are in the market for a hooker to fill Agustin Creevy’s void.

Just this weekend, an update revealed that he is set to stay at the Stormers, which has been confirmed by director of rugby John Dobson, who added that they are willing to let the Bok front-rower depart if he wishes to.

“Joe has a contract with the Stormers till the end of June 2025, which I’m sure he will see out,” Dobson told @rugby365com.

“We are very happy with his progress this season, which has brought him back into the Springbok mix.”

He added: “As has been the case in the past, if a player gets a life-changing opportunity for him and his family, we are open to discuss if it can be worked out.”

It is also reported that Dweba’s contract is no longer subsidised by SA Rugby’s Player of National Interest scheme, meaning that he may well have to take a significant pay cut if he wishes to remain at the Stormers beyond next season.

United Rugby Championship ins and outs: The complete list of the 2024/25 player transfers

Jasper Wiese heads to Japan

Leicester Tigers confirmed that Springboks number eight Jasper Wiese would be leaving the club earlier this season but only this week was the back-rower’s next destination officially confirmed.

Wiese was linked with a return to South Africa but will instead head to Japan after signing a deal with the Urayasu D-Rocks, who former Springbok Johann Ackermann coaches.

The side has recently been promoted to Japan’s top division, and Wiese’s signing was confirmed along with the signings of Zephaniah Tuinoa, Uwe Helu, Hendrik Tui and Lueru Laulala.

Matthieu Jalibert offered a massive increase

As mentioned above, teams are now able to open discussions with players whose contracts expire at the end of the 2024/25 season and respected French publication L’Equipe have run through some of the top targets.

Matthieu Jalibert is one of those players who is entering the final season of his contract and Bordeaux are understandably keen to retain his services. The talented playmaker reportedly ended all contract negotiations earlier this season to focus on his performance and now with the club season done and dusted Bordeaux are eager to resume talks.

According to the publication, Bordeaux tabled an offer 800,000 euros per season, an increase of 200,000 euros, but nothing has been signed as of yet. Toulon expressed their interest in signing him previously and may throw their hat into the ring with Dan Biggar’s contract expiring too but they won’t be the only suitors.

Meanwhile, Racing 92 are in danger of losing star half-back Nolann Le Garrec if they cannot ward off the interest of La Rochelle, who are eager to prize him away from the Parisian club. They are not the only ones as Stade Francais are also keen to snap up his services.

But Le Garrec is not the only star that Ronan O’Gara has his eyes on, with the report adding that the La Rochelle boss is keen on signing Leo Barre from Stade Francais as a long-term replacement for an ageing Brice Dulin.

Davit Niniashvili

One of the players who is set to lead the shortlist of many clubs is Georgian superstar Davit Niniashvili as his Lyon contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The report adds that Lyon wishes to keep him but will face fierce competition, particularly from La Rochelle, but perhaps every other team in the league besides Toulouse as well.

L’Equipe add that Ange Capuozzo, Arthur Retière and Teddy Thomas could also be snapped up as could Les Bleus star Yoram Moefana.

Moefana is being lined up by Toulouse as a possible successor for Pita Ahki but could remain at Bordeaux if the Top 14 champions opt to extend Santiago Chocobares’ contract.