In our latest transfer news and rumours update, we take a look at the situation at Bordeaux, Toulon’s latest signing and a Welshman heading to France.
Bordeaux sues Bayonne star, throwing Boks hopeful’s return in doubt
Top 14 table toppers Bordeaux-Begles will launch legal proceedings against Bayonne and France tighthead prop Tevita Tatafu, according to several reports in France.
Bordeaux and Bayonne will clash in the Top 14 this weekend but the former will commence another battle soon after as they take the latter side’s star to court.
Tatafu – not to be confused by the Japan international back-rower of the same name currently playing for Bordeaux, who will return to Asia after the end of the season – was contracted to Bayonne until the end of the current season and Bordeaux pounced to sign the French international on a four-year deal with the club president making him a priority signing ahead of next season.
He was set to join the club with Springboks hopeful Carlu Sadie rumoured to be returning to South Africa to link up with the Bulls.
The issue comes with Bayonne announcing on January 26 that Tatafu has in fact signed an extension with the club until 2030 despite inking a pre-contract (letter of commitment) to Bordeaux.
This has reportedly irked Bordeaux president Laurent Marti, who is eager to get compensated as the club had included a penalty clause in the event of the pre-contract being terminated.
According to Midi Olympique, the case law is favourable in Bordeaux’s favour with the Top 14 leaders likely to receive the equivalent of a year of Tatafu’s salary.
This is likely to have a knock-on effect for the Bulls and the arrival of Sadie. It’s understood that he has signed a pre-contract deal similar to the case of Tatafu but with the French prop now remaining at Bayonne, Bordeaux aims to retain the South African’s services.
Rugby Pass report that talks between the Bulls and Bordeaux have commenced but an agreement over the compensation package has not been reached.
Springboks captain rejects lucrative move while ‘favourites’ emerge for Handre Pollard’s services
Owen Williams signs for ambitious French club
Ospreys pivot Owen Williams will ply his trade in France next season with Nice.
The Wales international has signed a two-year deal with the Pro D2 club who look almost certain to drop to the third division as they are 18 points adrift from fellow relegation dwellers Valence Romans Drôme.
Unless they make a miraculous comeback, Nice are bound to drop down a division but club president Jean-Baptiste Aldigé remains ambitious and hopes to bounce back to the Pro D2 immediately.
Williams’ signing is an indication of just that while the club also announced the arrival of Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu after his underwhelming stint with Sale Sharks.
According to reports in France, Williams is not the only superstar name that will arrive at the club before next season with the Nice owner bullishly looking to return to the second division.
Toulon find All Blacks replacement
Toulon’s search for Leicester Fainga’anuku’s successor has seemingly ended with Italy star Juan Ignacio Brex signing for the club.
Fainga’anuku is set to return to New Zealand, rejoining the Crusaders ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after a sterling stint at Toulon since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. With clubmate and Samoan international Duncan Paia’aua set to join him in leaving the French outfit, Toulon have been searching for midfield reinforcements particularly with Jérémy Sinzelle weighing up retirement.
The club have cast a wide net and were snubbed by several international stars including Ireland’s Bundee Aki and South Africa’s Andre Esterhuizen. However, they have landed a massive coup in the form of Brex, who will reportedly leave Benetton to link up with fellow Azzurri stars Gianmarco Lucchesi and Paolo Garbisi with the legendary Sergio Parisse in the coaching ranks.
It is reported that Brex has signed a two-year deal with Toulon who are looking at further reinforcements in the position.
Rugby Rama reports that the club has been locked in talks with France centre Pierre-Louis Barassi but he has yet to make a definitive decision on his future and is giving priority to Toulouse to table an extension offer.
Additionally, Toulon could see star Los Pumas forward Facundo Isa depart the club with the Argentine in advanced talks with Pau.
The back-rower’s CV has reportedly done the rounds at Racing 92 and Bayonne but it is Pau who are leading the race for his services where he could be joined by countryman Julian Montoya.
With Zach Mercer reportedly joining Toulon next season, it is understood that the club are finding it challenging to accommodate two non-JIFF players in the position and are considering letting Isa depart.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/springboks-hopefuls-return-thrown-into-doubt-as-bordeaux-sue-replacement-while-french-giants-finally-find-all-blacks-stars-successor
