Rugby Transfers: France superstar Thomas Ramos linked with shock Toulouse exit, Newcastle Red Bulls continue recruitment drive and Brumbies bolster ranks
Thomas Ramos (right) and Zuriel Togiatama (left) feature in the latest round-up of rugby transfers
France full-back Thomas Ramos has been linked with a shock move across the Top 14, while Newcastle Red Bulls and the Brumbies have strengthened their squads for the upcoming season.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
Thomas Ramos to leave Toulouse?
France star Thomas Ramos has been linked with a sensational exit from Toulouse after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, according to reports across the Channel.
The full-back has been an ever-present for Les Rouge et Noir in the past few years, making 200 club appearances and helping them win four league titles and two Investec Champions Cups in the past five years.
However, it seems his time in the Pink City could be coming to an end, with L’Equipe reporting he is set for a move to Top 14 rivals Racing 92 come 2027.
Sir John Kirwan: All Blacks need ‘heroes’ to beat the Springboks
Ramos would be a major coup for the Parisians, who are looking like serious title contenders once more after reaching the Top 14 semi-finals last season.
Per L’Equipe, a move to Racing could also see Ramos play fly-half, something he has done on several occasions at Test level but only started two games there for Toulouse last season.
Newcastle Red Bulls add latest Test talent to squad
PREM side Newcastle Red Bulls’ recruitment drive is showing no signs of slowing down, with Fijian hooker Zuriel Togiatama heading to the North East.
The 27-year-old, who boasts 14 Test caps, joins from Super Rugby Pacific side Fijian Drua, and has put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal with Red Bulls.
Commenting on the move, Togiatama said: “Firstly, I just want to give thanks to God for this opportunity and his guidance. To my wife, my family and my close friends, thank you for your belief and unwavering support.
“To the coaches and management, players, and to the fans of Newcastle Red Bulls, I look forward to getting to know you all and putting in the hard work beside you!”
Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust.
Newcastle head coach, Dan McFarland, added: “Zuriel is a powerful front-rower who we’re delighted to welcome to Newcastle Red Bulls.
“He has proven himself at both Super Rugby and international level, is strong in the set-piece, carries the ball with real intent and has the work rate and physicality that are so important for a hooker. He’s a highly competitive player who will add real quality and depth to our forward pack.”
In moving to Newcastle, he also reunites with fellow new recruit Hoskins Sotutu, with the pair previously playing together at Counties Manukau.
Brumbies strengthen for 2027
The Brumbies have added further depth to their squad for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, with lock Aiden Stait joining.
The giant forward, who stands at 6’6 and weighs 130kg, has put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the capital outfit, signing through to 2029.
His move to the Brumbies comes after a three-year stint with Top 14 side Bayonne.
Commenting on his move, Stait said: “France was a great experience and it challenged me in a lot of ways, but I felt the best place for me to continue developing was back in Australia with the Brumbies.
“The conversations with the coaches really stood out. They were honest about where my game is at and what I need to improve, but they also showed me a clear pathway for how I can get there.
“The Brumbies have produced some outstanding forwards over a long period of time, and that’s the environment I want to be part of.
“Signing for three years gives me the opportunity to really invest in the program and my development. The environment here is exactly what I was looking for, and I’m excited to keep learning from the coaches and the experienced players as I work towards earning my chance.”
Sir Steve Hansen: Springboks v All Blacks was a ‘key’ reason why neutral referees were brought in
Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham, added: “Aidan is a unique athlete. You simply can’t coach his size and power, and those attributes give him an incredibly high ceiling.
“What excites us most is that he’s recognised where he needs to be to take the next step. He’s had a valuable experience overseas, but he’s still at the beginning of his rugby journey and we believe our environment is the best place for him to develop into a Super Rugby player and continue building towards becoming a player who can perform at the highest level.
“We’ve built a strong reputation for developing quality forwards, and our program has done an outstanding job with our pack over the past few seasons. Aidan will benefit enormously from working and learning alongside the experienced players we have in this squad.”
