Rugby transfers: Former PREM boss secures top job at grassroots club while returning NFL prospect set to leave France
Rugby transfers: Former PREM boss secures top job at grassroots club while returning NFL prospect set to leave France. Credit: Wymondham RFC/Facebook
Former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia is set to leave Perpignan at the end of the season after general manager Bruno Rolland confirmed the news on French radio station, France Bleu.
Speaking openly on the station, Rolland said: “Jordan Petaia? He won’t be staying.
“He told us he’s going to Japan next season. It’s his choice. We hadn’t even started discussions about that position yet. He preferred to take the initiative and sign with a Japanese team for next season.”
Petaia has had limited success at Perpignan since returning to the sport after his sabbatical playing American football for the Los Angeles Chargers. He’s failed to land on the scoresheet in any of the eight matches that he’s appeared in so far, and even picked up a yellow card in their Challenge Cup loss to Newcastle Red Bulls.
All Blacks star Sevu Reece is set to join the French side for the next campaign, so Perpignan fans will not need to worry too much about the gap he’s leaving behind.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the former Wallabies star will want to recoup some of his previous form if he’s to join his international squad-mates back home.
Brandon Jackson to Newcastle Red Bulls
Saracens’ Brandon Jackson will join the Newcastle Red Bulls revolution next season on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old has scored 13 tries in his 29 appearances for Saracens, including one in this season’s Gallagher PREM victory at Kingston Park and has also scored 26 tries in 35 games for Championship side Ampthill.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Newcastle Red Bulls,” said Jackson.
“The club is really building something special. I’m excited for the challenge ahead and can’t wait to get stuck in and get to work with the group.”
Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Brandon is a talented English player who will add to our group, and we’re looking forward to working with him.
“He scores tries on a regular basis, he’s a big physical presence and it’s great that aspiring players like him see Newcastle Red Bulls as a club where they can fulfil their ambitions.”
Dean Richards returns to rugby
The former Newcastle boss has become the new director of rugby at Wymondham RFC. The club’s first team resides in the Regional 2 Anglia league, on level six of the rugby union pyramid. After 16 games played, they are currently in fourth place, 16 points below top placed Eton Manor.
Speaking on his appointment, Richards said: “I’ve always believed that strong community clubs are built from the bottom up — giving clarity, support, and a real sense of belonging.
“That’s what really struck a chord with me at Wymondham. There’s a genuine passion for the game here across every age group, and it’s an aspirational grassroots club with great potential. I’m excited to play my part in the next chapter of the club’s journey.”
The 62-year-old is one of the most experienced rugby men around, having achieved almost a half-century of England caps during his playing days, before coaching at the top level for almost 25 years.
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