Rugby transfers: All Blacks snub leaves New Zealand, PREM club swoop for Hurricanes’ guru and Stormers lose stalwart
Hurricanes back Callum Harkin, All Blacks centre David Havili and Stormers star Dan du Plessis.
New Zealand is the main focus of our latest transfers and news update, with an All Black leaving the Crusaders, the Hurricanes losing a key coach, and the Stormers looking set to bid a stalwart farewell.
Harlequins pinch Hurricanes’ guru
PREM Rugby club Harlequins have announced the arrival of Brad Cooper, who will be the Famous Quarters’ new coach from next season, taking over from fellow New Zealander Nick Evans.
Evans brought an end to his 18-year relationship, as a player and coach, with Quins at the end of the 2025/26 season and is set to take his expertise to Japan, joining Todd Blackadder’s backroom staff at the Toshiba Brave Lupus.
In his place, Quins have nabbed the services of Cooper, who helped the Hurricanes end a 10-year wait for a Super Rugby title. The men from Wellington broke several records en route to winning the trophy, becoming the first club to score over 100 tries in a single season with wingers Josh Moorby and Fehi Fineanganofo crossing for a record 17 tries each. The Hurricanes had the most potent attack in competition, averaging 41 points and 6.4 tries per game through the regular season.
On his arrival at The Stoop, Cooper said: “I’m really excited to be joining Harlequins. Having spoken with Jason (Gilmore) and the coaching group about the vision for this team, it’s clear there’s a real ambition here to play rugby with tempo, and that’s exactly the environment I want to be part of.
“Leaving the Hurricanes after a fantastic couple of years, which was capped with a Super Rugby title this weekend, wasn’t an easy decision. It’s been a hugely rewarding part of my coaching journey, and I’ve learnt so much both professionally and personally.
“But this is a great chance to help shape an attacking identity at a club with such history, and test myself as a coach in the northern hemisphere in the Gallagher PREM.
“I’ve watched Quins from afar and I know the DNA of this club is built on ambitious, attacking rugby – that’s a huge part of what drew me here. I can’t wait to get into pre-season, get to know the players, and start building something special at The Stoop.”
Fehi Fineanganofo breaks silence on Newcastle move after All Blacks call-up: ‘Things have changed’
Crusaders captain leaves New Zealand after latest All Blacks snub
Captain David Havili has confirmed that the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season was his final campaign with the Crusaders, with the centre taking up a new opportunity in Japan.
Havili has spent his entire career playing for Tasman Mako and the ‘Saders, representing the two teams for over a decade, playing over 150 games for the latter, whom he captained in his final two seasons. During his time with the Crusaders, Havili’s performances also earned him All Blacks selection, becoming All Black #1161 and going on to represent New Zealand in 32 matches.
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However, the last of those 32 Tests came during the 2024 November internationals, with the 31-year-old being overlooked by Scott Robertson in 2025, while he was not selected by new head coach Dave Rennie, either.
“I definitely feel like it’s time for me to move on with the next generation coming through. The legacy is in great hands,” says Havili.
“I’m very content. I know that I’ve done everything I can and I’m very proud of my journey and where I’ve come from. To be able to live out my dream here for around 15 years and be part of this legacy with some of the best players that have ever come through this club, it’s been an extreme honour.”
While the result in his final season didn’t end in silverware, Havili takes pride in what the group achieved and the foundation that’s been laid.
“To go from 10th into 2024 to winning another title and being back where we belong and sending off Apollo with a 32–0 record, that was probably the highlight of my career – leading this team to a title and I’m just so grateful that Penz gave me that opportunity to be able to do it.”
Stormers lose stalwart to Champions Cup winners
Stormers centre Dan du Plessis will trade Cape Town for Bordeaux, according to multiple reports. The 31-year-old was part of the Stormers’ URC title success and has been a regular starter in the midfield for John Dobson’s side, forming a strong partnership with Ruhan Nel.
However, he will take his talents to Champions Cup winners Union Bordeaux Begles next season with his move yet to be officially confirmed. According to reports in South Africa, the Stormers won’t look to sign a replacement for the centre but will instead look to the youth in the squad already.
Jonathan Roche is set to take on more responsibility in the team, while Dobson can still rely on Damian Willemse in the number 12 jersey when he isn’t on Test duty with the Springboks. Luke Burger, Josh Boulle and Bruce Sherwood provide further options, as does fellow rising star Markus Muller and another Junior Bok in Samuel Bahdenhorst.
Du Plessis is set to be the next regular starter to leave the Stormers, with locks Ruben van Heerden and Salmaan Moerat also signing deals with French clubs Montpellier and La Rochelle, respectively. Scarra Ntubeni has announced his retirement, while prop Corne Weilbach has signed with Saracens. The Stormers have made three big-name signings, though in Springboks Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Wilco Louw.
Ihaia West and five more join Stade Français
Beaten Top 14 semi-finalist Stade Français have announced six new signings ahead of the 2026/27 season, headlined by La Rochelle fly-half Ihaia West. The New Zealander heads to the French capital after his second stint with the Ronan O’Gara-coached side and is set to be Louis Carbonel’s backup.
Former Scottish international Rufus McLean is set to arrive at Stade Français following a stint in Major League Rugby with the Seattle Seawolves. Perpignan’s Alivereti Duguivalu also heads to the French capital and joins the squad to replace Joe Marchant, who signed with Sale, and Charles Laloi, who moved to Agen.
Loosehead prop Thomas Bué joins the Parisian side from Montauban, while lock Petero Mailulu signs from Béziers. Finally, hooker Tomasi Maka joins from Moana Pasifika.
