Rugby Transfers: Marika Koroibete confirms next club, François Cros breaks silence on Toulouse exit and interesting Leicester move revealed
Marika Koroibete (left) and François Cros (right) feature in the latest round-up of transfers
Wallabies back Marika Koroibete will head to the United Rugby Championship (URC) next season, Francois Cros has spoken on his exit from Toulouse and Leicester Tigers have added to their squad.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
Marika Koroibete makes URC move
Wallabies winger Koroibete will head to Wales next season after signing a one-year deal with the Ospreys.
The dual-code star, who moved to rugby union in 2016 after a spell in the NRL, brings a wealth of experience with him to the Swansea-based outfit, boasting 63 Test caps for the Wallabies and enjoying successful stints at Melbourne Rebels and Wild Knights.
Commenting on joining Ospreys, Koroibete said: “I’m really happy to be joining the Ospreys. I’ve heard some great things from the boys here already about the team and the environment, so I can’t wait to get started.
“The Ospreys are a club known around the world, with a rich history. Some incredible overseas players have played here, Jerry Collins, Justin Marshall, Marty Holah, the list goes on. It’s a real privilege to be joining this club and to be following in the footsteps of some greats of the game.
“I spoke to Mark prior to making my decision and he was very clear in what he expects of me in my work on the pitch and my work off it. There are some young, high-potential players in this squad and if I can play a part in helping them to reach the next level of their game, then that is something I will take pride in doing.”
Ospreys head coach, Mark Jones, added: “I think I speak for everyone involved with the club when I say how happy we are to have added such an explosive talent to our squad. I think it says a lot about the club that we are still able to attract overseas players of his calibre.
“This is a signing that we believe will get our supporters up out of their seats, Koroibete is a name that is respected throughout the game and we’re extremely excited to have him turning out in an Ospreys jersey.
“Most importantly, he came with glowing references, not only in what he offers on the pitch, but also in his history as a mentor to the players around him. We feel his experience will be extremely beneficial to our youngsters and will have a real ripple effect on their development over the next few years.”
François Cros’ first words on Toulouse exit
France star Cros has opened up on the difficult decision to leave Toulouse, after signing a three-year deal with Top 14 rivals Lyon from next season.
The back-rower has spent the entirety of his career in the Pink City to date, making 204 appearances and helping Les Rouge et Noir win five Top 14 titles and two Investec Champions Cups along the way, but will head to Lyon at the end of the campaign.
He is the latest high-profile name to agree an exit from the Top 14 champions come 2027, with full-back Thomas Ramos signing for Racing 92.
Commenting on leaving Toulouse, Cros said: “I am from Toulouse. I grew up in this club. I became a professional player here, but also a man. I met my wife here, I became a father here. My life was built here.
“So naturally, there are decisions that are not easy to make, especially when they involve an entire family. This is one of them.
“I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and embark on a new adventure in Lyon. But before that, we still have a season to live together. I want to experience it fully, with my teammates, for this club, and with the desire to continue writing the story of this generation to the very end.”
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Toulouse president Didier Lacroix also paid tribute to the 32-year-old forward.
“François is one of those discreet men whose actions speak for themselves,” he said. “Throughout all these years, he has always been exemplary in his attitude, professionalism, and commitment. On the field, of course, but also in the life of the club, where he has always made himself available.
“We have seen a kid become a man and a player on whom Stade Toulousain and all those who shared his locker room could always count.
“François chose to make his decision before the start of the season so he could fully dedicate himself to the pitch, his team, and Stade Toulousain.
“We would have preferred that he be the first to make the announcement. These moments are part of a player’s life and the life of a locker room, and deserve to be respected.
“There’s one more season to live and a story to continue writing together. François will undoubtedly be there with the commitment he has always shown.”
Leicester Tigers bolster fly-half ranks as interesting twist revealed
PREM outfit Leicester Tigers have signed Australian fly-half Jack Bowen from the NSW Waratahs, but he will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Mitsubishi Dynaboars.
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The move is the latest extension of the growing partnership between the two clubs, with Leicester players Lewis Chessum, Charlie Titcombe and Harry Palmer all previously spending time with the Japanese side.
Commenting on signing for the English giants, Bowen said: “Joining Tigers is a really special feeling. Leicester’s a club with such strong history and they’ve had so much success in the past so to be able to come across to a club like that is super exciting.
“It’s a move that I’m hoping propels my career forward and hopefully I can add to the success that Leicester’s already had.
“I like to think I’m pretty level-headed and cool under pressure and someone that just really loves the game and is going to give it their all for Leicester.”
Tigers head coach, Geoff Parling, added: “Jack is someone who we think has some real potential and couldn’t hide his excitement and getting the opportunity to come here.
“He’ll come to Leicester via our partner club in Japan – Mitsubishi Dynaboars – to keep working on his game, and we then look forward to seeing what he can do with us from 2027 onwards.”
