La Rochelle remain close to Bulls ace David Kriel despite interest from Glasgow Warriors, while Franco Smith has added a South African to his squad in the form of Ruwald van der Merwe from Pumas and Exeter Chiefs have signed Bath back Sam Harris ahead of next season.
Check out our latest transfer news and rumours:
David Kriel near La Rochelle to move
The last bulls Kriel is about to join the outfit Top 14 La Rochelle, according to reports from Report.
The 27-year-old was attracting interest from URC side Glasgow Warriors ahead of a potential move next season, but appears set for a move to Stade Marcel-Deflandre.
He is not the only South African set to join Ronan O’Gara’s squad next season, with Salmaan Moerat also tipped for a move to the two-time Champions Cup winners.
Kriel has been a mainstay for the Bulls since his return in 2020, and has made 109 appearances at the time of writing.
However, his move would open the door for a potential move for the likes of Thaakir Abrahams, who was previously linked with a move to Loftus Versfeld.
Ruwald van der Merwe signs for Glasgow
Although Glasgow may miss out on Kriel’s services, they have added a South African to their squad for next season in the form of Pumas defender Van der Merwe.
The 27-year-old will join the Scotland side at the end of the 2026 Currie Cup campaign, joining the club on a two-year deal, according to the visa.
Eddie Hearn: Saudi Arabia will not be interested in rugby, they will be interested in Henry Pollock
After excelling at Varsity Cup level, Van der Merwe penned his first professional contract with the Pumas in 2022, and helped them reach the Currie Cup Finals a year later.
Speaking about joining Warriors, Van der Merwe said: “I am very happy and very grateful to have signed with Glasgow Warriors.
I have followed the team for a long time, and I never thought that I would get the opportunity to be part of such a high level team.
“I spoke to Franco before I signed, who told me a lot about the environment and his training style. What stood out is how he values the individual and focuses on improving the parts of your game that need improvement.
“I also spoke to Henco Venter, who had nothing but good things to say about the club and life in Glasgow, which made the decision even better for me and my family.
Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a Google favorite to your favorites list for quality content you can trust.
Glasgow head coach Smith added: “Ruwald is a player we have had our eye on for a long time, we have introduced him as someone we believe can bring real value to what we are aiming to build here.
“He is a strong player who brings real work to everything he does and is delighted to be a Glasgow Champion from next season.
“We know the Warrior Community will welcome him with open arms, and we look forward to welcoming him to Scotstoun later this year.”
Leicester Tigers are lining up the signing of Joel Sclavi
Leicester Tigers have added more strength to their front line for next season, with Los Pumas ace Joel Sclavi heading to the East Midlands.
The 31-year-old joins the Tigers from 14-year-old outfit La Rochelle, after helping the French side win two Investec Champions Cup titles, and also boasts 33 try caps for Argentina at the time of writing.
Commenting on the move, Sclavi said: “I’m proud and happy to be part of a club with so much history and identity.”
“I’m looking forward to what’s next for Leicester Tigers.”
Tigers head coach Geoff Parling added: “We know how much we value our set-piece so we were looking for someone who could add value and depth to both sides of the scrum, and Joel’s size and strength will be a real asset.
After showing himself in the Top 14 he was hungry for a new challenge, so we look forward to welcoming Joel, his wife Charo and his son Ciro to our team.
Exeter Chiefs are eyeing Sam Harris for a move to PREM
Exeter Chiefs’ recruitment drive continues ahead of next season, with Harris leaving from rivals Bath Country.
Harris is the latest Bath full-back to agree a switch to Exeter next season, while Will Butt also swapped the Rec for Sandy Park in the summer.
Rob Baxter’s verdict on Wallaby Tom Hooper’s future as “no reason to wait”
The 22-year-old midfielder has endured a difficult time with injuries in recent years, but has made 15 appearances for the Blue, Black and White since his debut in 2022.
Speaking about this, Harris said: “I am very happy to be a member of Exeter Chiefs.
After talking to the coaches, I felt like this was the right place to start over.
“I’m excited about this next chapter and I can’t wait to start with the boys.”
Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, added: “We’ve had a good look at Sam for a long time.
“He had the misfortune of getting back injuries, which are now close to being fixed. So, we expect a lot from him in the future.
“Sam is one of the most talented guys, so hopefully we can give him some time to stay injury free and help him develop into top level rugby.
“He’s got real power in his game. His ability to play the ball as a second player, having played a lot at fly-half, is impressive. He’s got really good pace, he’s good at tackling and he’s good in the air.
He’s one of those guys who we think can be a great rugby player, and hopefully that’s something we can help him achieve here at Exeter.
READ MORE: Loose Pass: Geoff Parling was rightfully ‘outraged’ by a TNT news anchor as he apologized.
#Rugby #Transfers #Springboks #top #selections #Glasgow #Franco #Smith #signs #littleknown #South #African #Leicester #Tigers #add #Test #prop #Exeter #Chiefs #continue #recruiting