Rieko Ioane, Rhys Webb, Jacques Nienaber : PlanetRugby

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

Retirements

Chris Ashton to retire: Ashton announced that the 2022/23 season would be his last. He has scored 101 tries in the Premiership since switching from rugby league to union in 2007. He also set the record for the most scored in a single Top 14 season. 

One-club man retires: Newcastle Falcons skipper Will Welch confirmed that he would retire from rugby at the end of the current season. The 33-year-old sits joint-second on the club’s all-time appearance list, having done battle on 275 occasions.

Kriel calls time on his career: Former Springboks flanker Jaco Kriel will play his final game this weekend for the Lions. The former skipper of the Johannesburg outfit was part of the squad that reached three consecutive Super Rugby finals between 2016 and 2018. He also had stints in Japan and at Gloucester but has unfortunately been riddled with injuries throughout his career. 

Rieko Ioane, Samisoni Taukei’aho

Ioane re-signs: Blues and All Blacks back Rieko Ioane has signed a four-year contract extension until 2027 with New Zealand Rugby. The 59-Test All Black has also re-signed with the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific and remains aligned with Auckland in the NPC. The former World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year is the second player to commit until the next Rugby World Cup.

Taukei’aho extends: 25-year-old hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho became the first player to sign through to 2027 with New Zealand Rugby. He has been a revelation since debuting for the All Blacks in 2021 and has already racked up 21 Test appearances in the black jersey. 

Jacques Nienaber, Scott Fardy, Nick Evans

Nienaber to join Leinster: Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber announced that he would be leaving the national side after the Rugby World Cup to join Leinster. The Boks head coach cited personal reasons for the decision adding, “It’s with a heavy heart that I’m finishing up my time with the Springboks.”

Fardy joins Connacht: Former Wallabies, Brumbies and Leinster forward Scott Fardy will join Connacht Rugby as the club’s new defence coach on a two-year deal, the side confirmed. After a glittering playing career, Fardy has gained coaching experience in Japan with NEC Green Rockets before moving back to Australia to work with his former Shute Shield club Warringah.

Harlequins refuse to release Evans: The Telegraph reported that Quins would not stand in Evans’ way should he be offered a permanent role with England. However, Felix Jones’ appointment after the Rugby World Cup has seemingly put pay to that. Evans was England’s attack coach for the recent Six Nations, but the Londoners would not be willing to let him go just for the World Cup, where he could be away for up to four months.

Clayton McMillan, Brad Thorn, Billy Pollard

McMillan re-signs: Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has…