Nigel Owens, Iain Henderson & Josh Adams : PlanetRugby

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

It’s been another busy week on the transfer scene with news of re-signings in Australia, rumours linking several players to France, and some movement in the coaching ranks. Here is our full rundown.

Nigel Owens, Jack Willis, Joe Marler

Boks look to add Owens to coaching ranks: The Springboks are reportedly hoping to add former Test referee Nigel Owens to their coaching ranks ahead of the Rugby World Cup. According to a report by City Press, the Boks’ management wants an expert referee analyst for the tournament and have put Owens forward to SA Rugby’s executive committee.

Willis to stay in France: The Rugby Paper reports that none of the Premiership clubs have tabled a suitable offer to tempt Jack Willis back to England. Bordeaux are keen to sign Jack following brother Tom Willis’ successful stint at the Top 14 side. Tom has signed for Saracens ahead of next season. Toulouse, however, are confident that they will keep Jack on their books next season and deny Bordeaux.

Marler signs new deal: Joe Marler has signed a new contract with Harlequins. The experienced prop has played over 250 times. During his time with the side, he has won the Premiership twice (in 2012 and 2021) and the Challenge Cup in 2011.

Dan McKellar, Fiji, Paul Gustard

New Tigers’ boss: Former Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has been confirmed as Leicester Tigers’ new head coach and will join the club on July 1 this year. He has signed a long-term contract with the Premiership champions. During his five-year tenure as the Brumbies coach, he guided the club to glory in the inaugural Super Rugby AU competition in 2020 and were runners-up in 2021 and semi-finalists in 2019 and 2022.

Fiji head coach: The Flying Fijians have announced the appointment of Simon Raiwalui as head coach ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Raiwalui fills the void left by Vern Cotter, who resigned from the position.

Gustard stays in Paris: Former England assistant coach Paul Gustard has committed to Stade Francais until the end of the 2025/26 season. The club are riding high in the Top 14 and have notably improved its defence since he arrived at the start of the season. At the beginning of the year, he was reportedly in the running to join Warren Gatland’s coaching staff but now remains in France.

Jono Gibbes, David Ribbans, Frédéric Michalak

Toulon chase Gibbes: Following his departure from Clermont, Jono Gibbes has caught Toulon’s interest, who are eager to bring him on as forward’s coach under Pierre Mignoni and Franck Azéma, L’Équipe report. Gibbes worked in the same role with Azéma between 2014 and 2017 before heading to La Rochelle and returning to Clermont as director of rugby.

Ribbans signs for RCT: Northampton Saints and England lock David Ribbans has signed a three-year deal with Toulon ahead of next season.