Rugby transfers: Newcastle Red Bulls sign a Lion, ex-Scotland captain’s shock return and Hugo Keenan decides Ireland future
Rugby transfers: Lions star joins Newcastle Red Bulls, Scotland star returns home and Hugo Keenan confirm Ireland future
Chris Harris will return to Newcastle Red Bulls at the end of the season, after initially leaving the club in 2019, having made over a century of appearances for the side.
The Carlisle-born star joined Gloucester after exiting Newcastle, playing as many games for the Cherry and Whites before joining Gallagher PREM champions Bath Rugby last summer.
The 35-year-old has been capped 47 times by Scotland and even secured his place on the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, becoming a starter in the second Test.
Arriving back in Tyneside in the summer, he spoke about his return, saying: “It’s a real full-circle moment to be heading back to Kingston Park.
“I am looking forward to returning to where it all started, helping to galvanise this new group of exciting players as we build for the future.
“Newcastle is home to me, and I owe so much to this club. I can’t wait to bring my experience, on and off the field, and pull on the shirt once again.
“There’s a clear vision at Newcastle Red Bulls, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this new chapter for the club.”
Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Chris is a top player who has proven himself at the elite end of the international and club game over many years.
“He will add real steel and experience to a key area in our midfield, and almost equally importantly, will help develop the wealth of young talent we have within our ranks.
“Not only that, but he is from our area and cares passionately about our stated aim of getting Newcastle back to the top table of domestic and European rugby.”
Jamie Richie returns to Scotland
Elsewhere, there is a return to Scotland for former Edinburgh captain Jamie Ritchie, who has agreed a deal to join rivals Glasgow Warriors this summer from French side, Perpignan.
The former Edinburgh flanker will move to Scotstoun on a two-year deal and bolster a Warriors back-row that is set to lose Jack Dempsey at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old recently returned from a leg injury that kept him out for two months, marking his comeback with an 80-minute shift against La Rochelle and reclaiming the Perpignan captaincy.
Despite being only a year into his stint with the club, it is understood Ritchie was keen to move back to Scotland to be closer to his young family.
Jerry Cahir snubs Leinster in favour of Connacht
Loosehead prop Jerry Cahir is set to vacate Leinster ahead of the 2026/27 season, choosing instead to join Connacht Rugby.
The 25-year-old has made a positive impact since joining the club on a short-term deal last September, making 14 matchday appearances.
Before signing with Leinster, he played for Old Belvedere, Dublin University, and Lansdowne in the Energia All-Ireland League, and was voted Lansdowne’s Player of the Year last season.
Speaking about joining Connacht, he said: “The opportunity to move to Connacht is something I’m very excited about. I am grateful to everyone at Leinster for all they have done for me this season, and for giving me an opportunity when nothing else was on the table.
“Now I’m really looking forward to making the move to Connacht and hopefully making a similar impact. I loved my time in the age-grade set-up, so I can’t wait to put on the green jersey again.”
Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster stated: “Jerry has made a big impact in Leinster in his short time there, so we’re delighted he has chosen to join Connacht next season and provide us with further quality at loosehead.
“It speaks volumes that he has fitted in seamlessly in the Leinster front row during many high-profile games, so we are really excited about the impact he can make with Connacht.”
Keenan commits to Irish rugby
Hugo Keenan has committed his future to Irish rugby and Leinster by signing a two-year contract extension with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Leinster Rugby, which will see him play until the end of the 2027/28 season.
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys was pleased to have got his man, saying: “Hugo has established himself as one of the leading full-backs in the world game and we are excited that he has committed his future to Irish Rugby. A talented and committed athlete, Hugo has proven himself consistently for club and country for many years and I have no doubt that he will continue to progress in the seasons to come.”
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell added: “Hugo is a top-class performer and I am really pleased that he is continuing his journey in Ireland. He has been a model of consistency since his debut in 2020 and I believe that the best is yet to come as he continues to set the highest standards on and off the field of play.”