Rugby Transfers: Henry Pollock linked with shock code switch amid Eddie Hearn salary claims and Super Rugby sides make moves
Henry Pollock (right) and Agustin Moyano (left) feature in the latest round up of transfers
Henry Pollock has attracted the interest of rugby league after Eddie Hearn’s claims over his salary, Western Force have retained an Argentina Test ace and Crusaders have bolstered their ranks for next season.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
Henry Pollock to rugby league?
British and Irish Lions and England star Pollock is attracting the interest of a Super League side, according to reports from CityAM.
The links come amid the backdrop of Hearn’s comments that Pollock, 21, should be earning a seven-figure salary, which would make him one of the highest-paid players in the world for his position.
The Northampton back-rower is on a reported £150,000 salary at the reigning PREM champions, and is also one of 25 players on an England enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contract.
With Hearn pushing for a higher wage, that could see Pollock head to pastures new from next season when his current deal expires at Saints, which has since attracted the interest of multiple unnamed Super League sides.
Super League sides are given special salary cap dispensation to bring over players from other sports, including rugby union, who have not played rugby league before. Last season, Wigan Warriors signed former England and British and Irish Lions winger Christian Wade on a short-term deal.
The reports also come amid the backdrop of potential NRL investment into Super League, with a reported fee of $60 million over the next five years.
Western Force re-sign Los Pumas ace
Super Rugby Pacific side Western Force have re-signed Argentina international Agustin Moyano for 2027.
The 23-year-old scrum-half joined the Force at the start of last season as injury cover, and made six appearances in his maiden campaign with the club.
Commenting on his fresh deal with the Perth-based side, Moyano said: “I’m really excited to be staying with the Force for another season.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and one of the main reasons I wanted to stay was the great group we have. I have some really good teammates, both on and off the field, and that makes being part of this club very special.
“I also really enjoyed living in Perth, so I’m looking forward to coming back, continuing to grow with the team and enjoying the city for another year.”
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Force head coach, Simon Cron, added: “It’s amazing we’ve been able to hold on to Gus. He’s a great human and an amazing, talented player.
“He had limited minutes this year due to the performance of the two other half-backs. However, we want to play him as much as we can.
“He’s lightning quick to the breakdown. He clears the ball so quickly that it allows us to play on top.
“Communication between the game drivers is going to be a key for us to keep working on with him, developing his English language. He’s a really important signing for us, offering depth and quality.”
Crusaders sign Maori All Black from New Zealand rivals
Blues and Maori All Blacks centre Corey Evans will head to the Crusaders next season, after signing a two-year deal with the Christchurch outfit.
The 25-year-old, who can cover fly-half, centre and full-back, has spent the entirety of his career to date in the Blues system, making 32 Super Rugby appearances for the Auckland outfit. Around that, he has also featured for both Auckland and Northland in the NPC.
Commenting on his move to Christchurch, Evans said: “The Crusaders are known for their high standards and winning culture. I feel like this is the perfect spot for me to grow as a player and play some good footy.
“I’m keen to connect with some of the boys I’ve grown up playing with and against. Also meeting new faces and being able to contribute to a successful team.
“(I’m) pretty keen to play in that new stadium. From watching on TV, it looks like they’ve got the whole community behind them, which is pretty cool to see. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
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