Rugby Transfers: James Lowe confirmed as Springbok’s replacement in Japan, Exeter Chiefs bolster ranks and Aussie talents reject NRL advances to commit to rugby union
James Lowe (left) and Treyvon Pritchard (right) feature in the latest round up of rugby transfers
James Lowe’s Japanese club has finally been confirmed, Exeter Chiefs have added a fresh face to their squad for the upcoming PREM season, and two Australian talents have committed their future to rugby union.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
James Lowe to replace Springbok as Japanese club confirmed
Ireland and British and Irish Lions winger James Lowe will replace Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe at Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath, signing a two-year deal with the League One side.
During his time in Ireland, Lowe made 102 appearances for Leinster and helped the province win one Investec Champions Cup and six domestic titles. His form also saw him called into the Ireland squad, winning 45 Test caps and playing key roles in their 2023 and 2024 Six Nations title triumphs.
Lowe also represented Ireland at the 2023 World Cup, and was later called into the British and Irish Lions squad for the victorious tour of Australia.
Commenting on his move to Japan, Lowe said: “To everyone in the Suntory Sungoliath family, my family and I are incredibly excited to begin this new chapter of our lives in Japan. I have some very special memories from playing there.
“I have always admired the passion for rugby, the respect shown both on and off the field, and the pride people take in representing their team. I am looking forward to learning more about Japan and its culture. It is a huge honour to join such a prestigious club.
“I will do everything I can to earn the trust of my teammates, coaches and supporters. I want to bring energy, physicality and a positive attacking mindset to the team. I can’t wait to get stuck in! I can’t wait to meet you all! Yatte Minahare.”
Exeter Chiefs add further depth to squad
PREM Rugby side Exeter Chiefs have strengthened their front-row unit ahead of the upcoming season, with Archie McArthur joining from West Country rivals Gloucester.
The ex-England U20s man made 20 appearances for the Cherry and Whites following his switch from Wasps in 2022, and has also featured on dual-registration for CHAMP outfit Hartpury RFC.
He becomes the latest forward to agree a move to Sandy Park this month, following the addition of Worcester Warriors lock Obinna Nkwocha.
Commenting on his switch to the Chiefs, McArthur said: “Chiefs is a club with a strong culture, an amazing following and a reputation for developing players, which all really appealed to me.
“From speaking with the coaches and seeing the ambition of the club, it felt like the right place to continue my development and challenge myself at the highest level.
“I want to contribute as much as I can to the team’s success, keep improving my game and help the club compete for silverware. I’m excited to get started and connect with the lads.”
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Exeter director of rugby, Rob Baxter, added: Archie is a young loosehead who we’re pleased to bring to the club. He’s played against us a few times, interestingly, so we watched those games in detail and saw him doing very well.
“His strengths are his around-the-field movement, his defence and his ability on the ball. He’s got a bit of work to do around set piece, but that’s something we feel we can help him develop.
“With Scotty (Scott Sio) moving on, we needed to make sure we’ve got the correct strength in depth around our front-row department. We feel he’ll do a good job for us in the position and that there’s a good amount of development in him as a young player. We see him as a guy with a really promising future.”
Aussie talent rejects NRL advances to commit to rugby union
Australian talents Treyvon and Kadin Pritchard have reportedly rejected the advances of NRL suitors to re-sign with Super Rugby Pacific outfits Queensland Reds and Brumbies, respectively.
The highly-talented pair were both under contract with their current clubs until the end of 2027, but according to reports had attracted the interest of several NRL clubs over a code switch to rugby league.
Per reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, Reds man Treyvon had received offers from the Papua New Guinea Chiefs and Sydney Roosters, but has opted to remain in the 15-man game and re-sign with the Reds.
Kadin was also a target for the ambitious Chiefs, who have already added Western Force man Zac Lomax to their roster for 2028 and are heavily linked with Racing 92 centre Joey Manu, but per Wide World of Sports, he is set to follow his brother and remain in rugby union.
19-year-old Treyvon established himself as a key man for Les Kiss’ Reds during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, making 12 appearances and scoring two tries in his debut campaign.
22-year-old Kadin also enjoyed a strong breakthrough season in 2026, after making his debut for the Brumbies in 2025, notching 12 starts across the campaign. His form had also attracted the interest of former Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt, and was even namechecked as ‘unavailable for selection’ for the Nations Championship through injury.
