Rugby transfers: Ex-Lion decides future while Cokanasiga heads to Gloucester
Rugby transfers: Ex-Lion extends Red Bulls contract while Cokanasiga heads to GloucesterRugby transfers: Ex-Lion extends Red Bulls contract while Cokanasiga heads to Gloucester
Ex-British and Irish Lion Christian Wade has extended his contract with Newcastle Red Bulls, ensuring that he will remain with the club for at least another year.
After arriving from rugby league side Wigan Warriors in December, Wade has crossed twice in five matches, as he chases down the all-time PREM top try-scorer record.
Speaking about his time with the Red Bulls, Wade said: “I’m really excited to continue this journey with Newcastle Red Bulls. From the moment I arrived here I’ve loved the energy around the club and the support from our fans.
“My wife has been part of this journey with me long before the NFL, and we both really enjoy the lifestyle here in Newcastle. It’s a great place for us, on and off the field.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead, and bringing my experience, leadership and personality to help make this team the best it can be.”
Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy added: “Christian has been a really positive influence on the squad since his arrival in December, and the way he looks after himself is an example to all players.
“He has been unlucky with a couple of injuries which were outside of his control, but in the games he has played, he has made plenty of positive contributions.
“For such a renowned finisher, he is very unselfish in the way he goes about his work, and he has been brilliant in sharing his experience with our younger players.
“He still has a big contribution to make for us as we look to advance this club, and I’m really happy that he has agreed to another season.”
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Phil Cokanasiga to Gloucester
Gloucester Rugby have confirmed the signing of Ospreys centre Phil Cokanasiga ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 24-year-old has scored four tries this season, including one in the opening round of the Challenge Cup against Connacht.
Head coach, George Skivington, is looking forward to adding the brother of Bath flyer Joe Cokanasiga to the squad, saying: “Phil is a talented rugby player, and he’s coming off the back of a successful second season with the Ospreys.
“He’ll be a great addition for us when he arrives, and will add extra quality to a midfield which is already very strong.”
Cokanasiga added: “I’m really excited to take on a new opportunity in the PREM. My time with the Ospreys has been invaluable and I feel it’s prepared me really well to step back into the Gallagher PREM sharper, hungrier, and more confident in my game.
“I already know a lot of the players and coaches at Kingsholm, so I’m looking forward to settling in quickly this summer and getting out on the pitch in front of the Gloucester fans. I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Ciaran Donoghue to stay at Bath
Talented youngster Ciaran Donoghue has confirmed his future with Bath, signing a contract extension until 2028.
The 23-year-old has already made a big impact in his time at the club, appearing in the matchday squads for all three finals of Bath’s treble-winning 2024/25 season.
On renewing with his boyhood club, Donoghue said: “I’m really excited to continue my journey and development here as a player and person.
“The support shown at The Rec and around the City is amazing and from a personal point of view I can’t wait to get back on the pitch to try and help the club deliver more success going forward.”
Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan added: “It gives us all great pleasure to know that Ciaran will be with us for the next two seasons. What a 2024/25 season Ciaran has had.
“We all have great memories of what he has done on and off the pitch. Most importantly his best is yet to come.”
Bears to the Chiefs
Scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme will swap the Bears for the Chiefs at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, as he heads south-west to Exeter from Bristol.
The 26-year-old has made 19 appearances for the Bears since arriving from Leicester Tigers in 2023, scoring two tries.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Sam has been an outstanding team man throughout his time here. He brings energy and commitment every single day, both on and off the field, and he’s someone everyone at the club genuinely loves having around.
“He would have loved to stay, and we would have loved to keep him, but he’s at a stage in his career where regular game time is important for his continued development. With the international quality we have at nine in Harry Randall and Kieran Marmion, along with some unfortunate injuries, those opportunities have been limited despite how well Sam has trained and performed whenever he’s been called upon.
“He leaves with our full support because he deserves the chance to play consistently at this level. Exeter are getting a top professional and an even better person, and we’re extremely grateful for everything he’s given to this group.”
Wolstenholme said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time at Bristol Bears. From the moment I arrived, the culture of the club and the environment the coaches and staff have created has been brilliant to be part of. The players and staff have all been incredibly supportive and I’m really grateful to everyone at the club for the opportunities I’ve had and the way they’ve helped me develop.
“I feel like my game has improved a huge amount during my time here. Working with the coaches and alongside the players we have in the squad has pushed me every day to get better, and I’ll always be thankful for that.
“Although I’ll be moving on at the end of the season, my focus right now is fully on Bristol. We’ve got big goals we want to achieve as a group, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help the team finish the season strongly.”
Olly Woodburn decides Chiefs future
11 years on from his debut, club legend Olly Woodburn has penned a new deal with Exeter Chiefs.
In his time at Sandy Park, Woodburn has amassed 196 appearances and 63 tries, won two Gallagher PREM titles and a Champions Cup.
Speaking about his re-signing, Woodburn said: “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to continue my journey here and to keep chasing trophies with such a talented group of players and staff.
“This club has become home for me over the past decade, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support from the fans, the coaches, and everyone behind the scenes.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead and motivated to keep improving, contribute to the team and hopefully help bring more success to the club.”
These days, while still impressing with his on-field performances, he provides valuable leadership to the playing group. A defensive captain, Woodburn also provides an experienced approach to the game for fellow back three players, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Paul Brown-Bampoe and Campbell Ridl.
Director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Olly is one of the old guard now, so we’re delighted to have him staying longer. He’s a guy who, it’s like the saying goes, is a fine wine.
“He’s been playing really well this season, been very consistent wherever we’ve asked him to play, whether that’s at full-back or wing. He’s kept himself in really good condition, and he really puts focus on ensuring he keeps his conditioning at the top level. That allows his skillset, such as his ability under the high ball and his prowess in finishing tries, to remain premium.
“All of those things made it easy for us to decide to keep him. I also like the balance of the squad with the younger players mingled in with more mature players like Olly.”
Tonga Kofe to California Legion
Leicester Tigers have confirmed that after a brief stint with the club, Tonga Kofe has joined California Legion with immediate effect.
The prop joined the club late in 2025 and has since made three appearances, with his debut coming against Newcastle Red Bulls in late October.
Geoff Parling said: “After receiving a call from Dave Dennis at the California Legion we were happy to facilitate what should be a great move for Tonga and his family.
“It was a huge step for him to come to the UK and he’s been fantastic to work with, eager to learn and shown great characteristics as a person.
“He leaves after representing Tigers and getting to run out at Mattioli Woods Welford Road which is an incredible achievement only two years after first playing our game.”
Kofe said: “I loved my time with Tigers. It was a brilliant group of boys to be around and a great group of fans show up at every game.
“I got to witness first hand at what being a Tiger means and why this club is known all around the world.”
Everyone at Leicester Tigers wish Tonga and his family all the best for the future.
Trio to stay at Leicester Tigers
Meanwhile, three players have signed new contracts to stay at the club, they are; Josh Manz, Joaquin Moro and Tom Whiteley.
Here’s what the players had to say:
Manz: “It’s a massive honour to re-sign for Tigers again. I’ve been here since I was 13, so to continue my journey, especially alongside my older brother Tom, is an honour.
“It means more when the fans are here, a sold-out Mattioli Woods Welford Road is an incredible experience. It is honestly a ‘pinch-me’ moment whenever I get to run out here. It is so special.”
Moro: “I am really happy to have re-signed. This is my first professional experience, but I have quickly come to love the club, everyone who works here, including my teammates and coaches.”
Whiteley: “It feels great to have re-signed with Tigers. It’s a very prestigious club with lots of history, and I’m trying to make more history at Tigers.”
Jared Payne to depart Scarlets
Scarlets assistant coach Jared Payne will step down from his role at the end of the 2025/26 season after arriving in the summer of 2023 from French side Clermont Auvergne.
Payne said: “After much consideration, I have made the decision to step down from my role at the Scarlets at the end of the season.
“My time at the club has been full of both rewarding and challenging moments that have grown me as a coach, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a proud rugby organisation.
“Working with the players, staff and supporters has been a privilege, and there have been many moments that I will always value. For now, my focus remains on supporting the players and staff and doing everything possible to help the group finish the season strongly. I want to thank everyone connected with the club for their support during my time here.
“I wish the Scarlets every success in the future and look forward to seeing the club continue to grow and achieve.”
Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “Jared has made a significant contribution since joining the Scarlets. He is a highly respected coach with strong technical knowledge of the game and he has worked extremely hard with our players over the past three seasons.
“He has played an important role in helping develop a number of the players coming through our system and in driving standards within the environment.
“Jared will remain fully committed to the group for the remainder of the season and we look forward to finishing the campaign strongly together.”
Bath’s new Head of Recruitment
Bath Rugby have confirmed the signing of Bryn Cunningham from Ulster, as he takes up the role of Head of Recruitment.
On joining Bath, Cunningham said: “I’m hugely excited to become part of a fantastic club like Bath.
“It was a difficult decision to leave Ulster, so my next move needed to be right for both my family and my career – and Bath couldn’t fit more perfectly.
“I’m delighted to join an already successful team and look forward to working with Johann and everyone else at the club to help achieve even more in the years ahead.”
Van Graan is thrilled to bring Cunningham to his rugby structure, saying: “Bryn brings rich experience of both working within the rugby system and on the other side as a player agent.
“His time in Irish rugby will transition him well into the system here in England and we’re looking forward to seeing Bryn manage retention and recruitment at Bath Rugby.
“We have a family first environment at the club and Bryn fits this perfectly.”
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