Rugby Transfers: Edinburgh recruitment drive continues, Exeter Chiefs fend off PREM rivals to re-sign back and Leicester Tigers add Australian coach
Will Haydon-Wood (right) and Geordie Gwynn (left) feature in the latest round-up of rugby transfers
Edinburgh have added yet another back to their ranks for next season, Exeter Chiefs have retained Will Haydon-Wood amid interest from PREM rivals and Leicester Tigers have strengthened their coaching ranks for next season.
Check out our latest transfer news and rumours update:
Edinburgh add ex-Scotland U20s back as recruitment drive continues
Edinburgh have added another back to their ranks for next season, with Ealing Trailfinders man Geordie Gwynn penning a three-year deal with the capital club.
22-year-old Gwynn won 13 caps for Scotland U20s between 2023 and 2024, and has also become a key man for the CHAMP leaders since joining them in 2022.
His signature also follows the addition of Scotland-qualified back Riley Higgins on a three-year deal, while Edinburgh have also retained the services of Mosese Tuipulotu for a further two years.
Commenting on the move, Gwynn said: “I’m delighted to sign for Edinburgh. It’ll be really nice to see some familiar faces, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the rest of the players and staff.
“Playing in front of such passionate fans in a competitive league is something that I’m really excited for. I believe Edinburgh is the perfect place for me to develop my game, continue improving, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Edinburgh head coach, Sean Everitt, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Geordie to Edinburgh this summer. He’s an explosive, dynamic back who has impressed everyone who has watched him come through the age-grade ranks, and his performances with Scotland U20 showed he has the quality and temperament to compete at the highest level.
“Six tries in 14 games this season is a solid return for a young winger still developing his game, and he’s shown plenty of promise throughout the campaign. He further bolsters what is already an exciting and competitive back line, and at just 22, with the pathway he’s already been through, we genuinely believe he has everything he needs to kick on and fulfil his potential here. We can’t wait to get him involved.”
Exeter Chiefs fend off PREM rivals for Haydon-Wood signature
Exeter Chiefs have secured the future of Haydon-Wood for next season, with the versatile back signing on for next season.
His decision to remain in the English South West comes amid interest from at least two PREM rivals over his services, with Newcastle Red Bulls understood to be leading the hunt.
The 25-year-old joined Exeter from French side Massy Essonne in 2022/23, and has since tallied over 50 appearances for the club.
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Commenting on the news, Haydon-Wood said: “I’m excited to see what my future holds after re-signing at Exeter.
“I feel like I have settled in the South West with the club being a very tight-knit group, and that is now translating into on-pitch performances this season.
“Being part of a team that is striving to win trophies was a huge part of the reason why I wanted to stay, along with getting to play alongside close mates – a major part of why I started playing the game in the first place.
“Hopefully, I can play a part in finishing this season in a memorable way and carry that into next year.”
Also commenting, Exeter director of rugby, Rob Baxter, added: “Will has shown this season that he can have an impact for us in pretty much any position in the backline, which is fantastic. It’s really important for us in terms of the makeup of the match 23.
“He’s had some good performances at 10 when we’ve needed him to, but he’s also covered really well at full-back as well as inside centre.
“He’s a very popular guy amongst the squad. An individual we feel is still growing as a competitor and as a player. He understands the club and how we want to play very well, so we’re delighted to have him staying with us.”
Leicester Tigers tempt Aussie coach to East Midlands
Leicester Tigers look set to add Australian coach Rob Seib to their ranks for next season, according to reports from the Telegraph.
His arrival at Mattioli Woods Welford Road comes with current attack coach and compatriot Peter Hewat heading for pastures new, while current forwards coach Brett Deacon will also move to Kingsholm next year after signing with Gloucester.
In moving to the English East Midlands, Seib will reunite with head coach Geoff Parling, with the pair previously working together with the Wallabies.
Seib’s reported appointment also comes following confirmation back in March that he would leave the Galway-based side at the end of the season to take up a coaching role abroad.
“While we are disappointed that Rod has decided to depart Connacht Rugby, we fully respect his decision and are extremely grateful for the contribution he has made to the province this season,” Connacht boss Stuart Lancaster said at the time.
“His coaching has been outstanding, and he has had a great impact on the players helping them drive standards on and off the pitch.
“His departure opens an exciting opportunity here with us at the club. A role that offers the chance for someone new to step in, build on strong foundations and make their own mark on Connacht Rugby.”
