The focus of the most recent transfer rumors is on the South African teams: the Bulls are expected to get a Springboks winger, the Sharks are interested in a prop, and the Stormers may lose a hooker.
With the 2024–2025 United Rugby Championship season quickly approaching, clubs are trying to finish up loose ends and build depth for the Currie Cup.
Bulls are set to welcome Aphiwe Dyantyi.
Springboks winger Aphiwe Dyantyi is looking for a new club and may go back to Gauteng after a generally disappointing return to rugby following his doping suspension.
But he could play for the squad across the Jukskei River, since the wing had previously played for the Lions.
As stated by the South African daily Rapport, Dyantyi has committed to the Bulls for a two-year contract and will join the team prior to the Currie Cup.
With Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie probably out with the Springboks for the Rugby Championship and November internationals, he will give the Bulls much-needed insurance.
In 2018, Dyantyi made 13 appearances for the Springboks, scoring six tries, and earning the title of World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year. But his career was over after he received a four-year suspension for using a prohibited substance.
Sharks aim for the Lions prop.
Prior to the new season, the Sharks are reportedly seeking Lions tight end Ruan Dreyer as a potential addition to their roster.
Due to uncertainty surrounding Coenie Oosthuizen’s playing career following a neck injury he suffered during the 2023–24 season, the Durban-based team is looking for a prop.
The Sharks are preparing for the worst-case scenario as Oosthuizen has experienced his fair share of neck problems during his career. His most recent setback may force him into retirement, according to the Rapport.
For South Africa, Dreyer won four Test caps in 2017, but he hasn’t been called back to the team since. The 33-year-old has played with the Lions for the majority of his career, but from 2018 to 2020, he joined Johan Ackermann at Gloucester.
With Trevor Nyakane arriving from Racing 92, he would be the second Springbok prop to sign with the Sharks ahead of the 2019–20 campaign. In addition, Jason Jenkins, Jordan Hendrikse, and Andre Esterhuizen have signed with the Challenge Cup winners. Emmanuel Tshituka was also signed by the Sharks from the Johannesburg team.
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Move of Kyle Sinckler made official
It was long known that England wide receiver Kyle Sinckler of the Bristol Bears and fellow international Lewis Ludlam of the Northampton Saints would be joining Toulon. Now, it’s official.
Toulon has inked a three-year contract with the tighthead prop that runs through 2027.
According to the prop, “I am honored to represent a club as special as the RCT,” Toulon’s website stated.
Every weekend, I want to put myself to the test against the finest props and in the biggest championship. In addition to meeting the Mayol players, coaches, and supporters, I’m excited to be able to help Toulon succeed in the future.
Ludlam is excited to start playing for Toulon and has committed for the same amount of time.
The flanker exclaimed, “I am extremely excited about joining this prestigious club, which has a rich history and is full of very talented players.”
“I grew up seeing this shirt represented by guys like the Armitage brothers and Jonny Wilkinson. I am eager to battle in front of the Mayol crowd for the squad and the club.
Italy hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi is expected to join the team from Benetton, according to Rugby Prime, indicating that the team is about to add another international forward to its roster.
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Sale for Joseph Dweba’s signing
The Rapport reports that Springboks hooker Joseph Dweba will be leaving the Stormers to join Sale Sharks in the Premiership.
According to the source, the hooker is no longer eligible for SA Rugby’s players of national interest program, and the Stormers will not be able to pay him the substantial salary he is currently receiving.
After saying goodbye to Los Pumas legend Agustin Creevy at the end of this season, Alex Sanderson’s team rushed in to sign the front-rower because the Cape-based team was unable to retain his services.
To make things easier on him, the Stormers may, like they did with Hacjivah Dayimani, grant him an early release from his contract without charging a transfer fee.
The Stormers want to keep him on until his contract expires in July 2025, at the latest, according to a source who spoke with the paper. The hooker hasn’t asked to be released yet.
The article also states that Paul de Wet is drawing interest from French teams but is not in talks with the Bulls.
