URC transfer news
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With most of the Northern hemisphere's Summer Internationals now over, we take a look ahead to the upcoming season – namely transfers and the new players who will be trying to make an impact for their clubs both domestically and in the new Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup campaigns.
So here are just some of theURC transfers ahead of the new season:
URC transfers
United Rugby Championship winners Glasgow Warriors have reinforced their options at fly-half with the arrival of former Gloucester Rugby player Adam Hastings, who started in the No 10 shirt in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the English club’s EPCR Challenge Cup campaign last season.
Cardiff Rugby and Ospreys and have likewise reinforced at fly-half, both with Welsh internationals as Callum Sheedy heads to the capital club and Kieran Hardy leaves Scarlets for Ospreys.
Ahead of their first campaign in EPCR’s elite competition since 2020, Benetton Rugby have drafted in Italy international Louis Lynagh from Harlequins. He has already made an impact on the national team, having scored on his debut against Scotland in Rome.
The South African clubs have been busy this summer, with Vodacom Bulls bringing Sale Sharks’ Cobus Wiese back to South Africa, while Springbok Steven Kitshoff returns to DHL Stormers from Ulster Rugby.
The biggest moves have come from EPCR Challenge Cup champions Hollywoodbets Sharks, who will look to make a serious run in the Investec Champions Cup this year. Jordan Hendrikse and Trevor Nyakane are confirmed to join, while it is strongly reported that Investec Champions Cup 2023/24 team of the season member Andre Esterhuizen will also join.
In Ireland, Leinster Rugby have sniped RG Snyman from rivals Munster Rugby while, in one of the moves of the season, New Zealand international Jordie Barrett will join in December until the end of the season.
Munster Rugby have added full-back Thaakie Abarahms from Lyon to their squad, with fly-half Billy Burns moving down from Ulster Rugby to Thomond Park. In turn, Ulster Rugby have added young New Zealander Aidan Morgan, but their biggest signing is Werner Kok who joins from Hollywoodbets Sharks. Two-time New Zealand international Josh Ioane could prove a shrewd pick up by Connacht Rugby.
