Rugby Transfers: All Blacks bolter makes decision on future after Moana Pasifika demise, England hotshots in triple PREM re-signing and highly rated Welsh forward set for move
Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa (right) and Lucas Friday (left) feature in the latest round-up of rugby transfers
An All Blacks bolter has made a crucial call on his Super Rugby future after the demise of Moana Pasifika; Harlequins have tied down three up-and-coming starlets, and a PREM rival have reportedly bolstered their ranks.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
All Blacks bolter makes call on future
Hulking back-row forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa will don Black and Yellow next season, after signing a two-year deal with reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions Hurricanes.
The 22-year-old forward arrives in the capital city off the back of a maiden All Blacks call-up for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, and while he did not win his maiden Test cap for Dave Rennie’s side, he did feature in two mid-week fixtures against the Sharks and the Lions.
He is also one of the most exciting talents in New Zealand rugby, enjoying a strong two-year stint for Moana Pasifika with a record of 11 tries in 25 outings.
Commenting on his move to the Hurricanes, Tupou Ta’eiloa said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the Hurricanes.
“It’s exciting to be part of such a proud region and I can’t wait to get started. Malo.”
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw added: “It’s great that Semisi is joining us on a two-year deal. He’s got a lot of potential, having already played for a couple of years in Super Rugby Pacific,” Laidlaw said.
“The first time I saw him play was when he was in South Africa with the New Zealand U19 side three or four years ago. His destructive power both in the tackle and in the ball-carry was obvious.
“To be selected by the All Blacks to go to South Africa this year shows what potential he’s got. We really look forward to working with him and helping him fulfil that potential over the next few years. He’s only 22 and his game is going to develop and grow.
“He’s someone who has already played Super Rugby at such a high level and played so well at such a young age and will complement the guys we’ve already got.
“It’s hugely exciting to have him here for pre-season to start growing his game and getting him to understand how we want to play the game, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the club.”
England hotshots in triple PREM re-signing
Harlequins have tied down England U20s trio Lucas Friday, Elliot Williams and Tate Williams on fresh long-term contracts, following breakthrough seasons with the Londoners.
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Scrum-half Friday and lock E. Williams both featured for Quins in the PREM and Investec Champions Cup, while T. Williams made his senior bow in the PREM Rugby Cup.
All three players were prominent members of the England U20s squad last season, too, and featured in their run to the Junior World Championship semi-finals back in the summer.
Commenting on the re-signings, Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore said: “We’re really pleased to announce the renewals of Lucas (Friday), Elliot (Williams) and Tate (Williams). They’re three young men who have incredibly bright futures ahead of them, and all have the capability to contribute to the Harlequins jersey for many years.
“Lucas is developing his all-round game as a scrum-half nicely, and we have already seen what he can do at the top level of the Club game after being put into a starting spot last season. He’s got a great attention to detail and real desire to learn from those around him.
“Elliot is another who took his opportunity last season when called upon. He’s a physical second row who works well in the contact area and set-piece, and we’re excited to see how he continues to grow in our environment.
“Tate is a powerful back rower who has the qualities to influence matches in both the tight areas of the game, and in the loose when he gets ball in hand. We’ll continue to work closely with the University of Bath on his development while he completes his education, but we’re excited by the qualities he can bring to the first team when his opportunity comes.”
Welsh forward tipped for PREM move
Highly rated forward Carwyn Tuipulotu looks set to become the latest Welshman to head to England, with multiple reports linking him with a switch to Exeter Chiefs.
The 25-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Pau at the end of last season, but spent a chunk of time with the Dragons in pre-season. His reported move to Devon, as first revealed by Ruck, comes as the Chiefs endure an injury crisis at lock, with the likes of Andrea Zambonin and Lewis Pearson both sidelined.
Tuipulotu emerged through the Scarlets ranks to make his senior debut back in 2021, and made 42 appearances for the Llanelli-based outfit before his exit partway through the 2024/25 season. He is also no stranger to English rugby, after a brief spell with Saracens in which he made two appearances in the PREM Rugby Cup.
After heading over the channel, Tuipulotu tallied 14 appearances for Pau across his season-and-a-half, scoring four tries along the way.
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