Rugby Transfers: Red Bulls sign ‘electrifying’ international while All Blacks duo set for move to France
Transfer news: Red Bulls sign 'electrifying' international while All Blacks duo set for move to France
Newcastle Red Bulls have added yet another name to their growing roster, signing 25-year-old centre Will Rigg from Exeter Chiefs.
The 6’1″ midfielder has scored 10 tries in 30 matches for the Chiefs since joining from Coventry, having come through the BUCS Super Rugby pathway with Cardiff Met.
Speaking about the upcoming move, Rigg said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining what I feel is one of the most exciting projects in rugby at the moment.”
“Speaking to the club and seeing the ambition and vision excited me greatly, and can’t wait to get stuck into things up there.”
Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy added: “Will has shown plenty of line-breaking ability during his time with Exeter, which will be a big asset for us as we look to build our game over the next few seasons.
“He’s a physical ball carrier with a good turn of pace, and I’m looking forward to seeing his continued progress within our environment.”
Five-time Super Rugby champion to Perpignan
There is also a report from the publication RugbyRama that New Zealand centre Braydon Ennor is finally on his way to Perpignan, almost a year after the French club first indicated interest.
Negotiations between the Crusaders player and the Catalan club are reportedly at an advanced stage, and all indications are that a contract should be signed in the coming days.
Ennor is a five-time Super Rugby champion and a nine-cap All Black, last playing for the men in black in August 2023. His absence in black means that he will be available to switch nations last this year, as he’s eligible for Zimbabwe through his mother. So we could see the 28-year-old in different colours in next year’s World Cup.
All Black flanker being eyed up by Castres
Dalton Papali’i, the All Black flanker, has been out of favour with the national squad since the 2023 World Cup, with just five caps in that time. With this in mind, his head may turn to the more financially prosperous French league, where he would not be short of suitors.
One team already on the hunt is Castres Olympique, who have reportedly already expressed interest in the back-rower. The French club may find it difficult to convince the 28-year-old to make the move this early in his career, however, particularly with the prospect of an All Blacks recall ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
HSBC SVNS Series Dream Team star to join Newcastle Red Bulls
Newcastle Red Bulls have also confirmed the signing of Joji Nasova, the 25-year-old Fijian international.
He has already scored four tries in three international matches after transitioning from his hugely successful international sevens career, which included a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
He was also named in the 2025 HSBC SVNS Series Dream Team following a stellar campaign on the world circuit, which saw him as the competition’s joint top scorer, with 26 tries.
Newcastle Red Bulls’ sporting general manager McIlroy is excited by the impact that the winger can make on Tyneside, saying: “Joji is an electrifying runner who can really help spark our attack into life.
“I’m sure our supporters will enjoy the X-factor he brings on the field, and we’re really excited about the impact he can have here.”
Aaron Smith to Europe
Elsewhere, Aaron Smith has been boldly shortlisted as a top target by an ambitious French Top 14 club.
It’s understood that his contract with Verblitz expires at the end of the current season, and he has been lined up by French club Pau, who currently sit second on the Top 14 table.
According to Sud Ouest, Smith is being lined up by the side to fill the void of Gloucester-bound half-back Dan Robson. The report states that he perfectly fits the profile they are looking for to partner with fly-half Thibault Daubagna and aid the development of young scrum-half Thomas Souverbie.
The rumour has gathered pace with eagle-eyed fans noticing that Smith has started following Pau on Instagram.
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