Rugby Transfers: Sharks fend off overseas interest for Springboks hopeful, Blues sign ex-Junior All Black and PREM duo bolster ranks
Darrien Landsberg (right) and Cam Millar (left) feature in the latest round up of rugby transfers
The Sharks have beaten out rivals to sign a Springboks hopeful, the Blues have added a former Junior All Black to their roster for 2027 and two PREM clubs have turned to the CHAMP for reinforcements.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
Sharks add Springboks hopeful amid PREM interest
The Sharks have acted quickly to sign Lions powerhouse Darrien Landsberg for the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) season.
His move to Durban comes amid reported interest from PREM Rugby outfit Exeter Chiefs, who are set to undergo a major recruitment drive following a high-profile takeover from Black Knight Rugby.
Landsberg has steadily become a key man for the Lions since joining the club in 2022, following a stint with the Pumas, making 57 appearances in all competitions while scoring one try. He also helped the Johannesburg-based side reach the URC play-offs for the first time this season.
The Zimbabwe-native’s decision to continue to play in South Africa comes amid his own personal hopes of playing for the Springboks.
“To be completely honest, until Rassie (Erasmus) tells me that the door is completely closed, I can’t allow myself to believe that it is,” Landsberg told Rugby365.
“I’ve played with these guys in the South African system since high school, so it’s not like I’m far off. When I look at myself in the mirror every day, I know that I can be a Springbok and I will be a Springbok.
“Because of what South African rugby means, I want to give myself the opportunity of saying I believe I’m the best, so why not try to be with the best?
“If that point comes where Rassie tells me the door is closed, then by all means it would be an honour to represent Zimbabwe.”
Blues snap up Highlanders man for 2027
The Blues have secured the services of Highlanders fly-half Cam Millar on a two-year contract, ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 24-year-old back has spent the entirety of his professional career within the Highlanders system, making 34 Super Rugby appearances for the club alongside 39 appearances for Otago in the NPC, but will now head to Auckland to continue his career.
Commenting on his move to the Highlanders, Millar said: “I’m incredibly grateful for everything the Highlanders and the Otago rugby community have done for me over the past few years. They’ve played a huge role in my development, and I’ll always appreciate the opportunities I was given there.
“The chance to join the Blues is one I’m really excited about. There are quality players and coaches throughout the club, and I’m looking forward to learning from them and doing everything I can to contribute to the team’s success.”
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Blues general manager of rugby, Murray Williams, added: “Cam is a talented player who has continued to improve every season and has shown composure whenever he’s been given opportunities at Super Rugby level.
“He has an excellent kicking game, manages matches well and understands how to control the tempo of a game. Those qualities are difficult to teach, particularly in a young playmaker.
“We’re pleased Cam has chosen to join the Blues and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Auckland ahead of the 2027 season.”
Alongside his Super Rugby and NPC experience, Millar has also represented the Junior All Blacks, making three appearances for them during the 2021 Oceania U20 Championship.
Gloucester strengthen front-row depth
PREM outfit Gloucester have further strengthened their squad for next season, signing Coventry tighthead Elliot Salt.
The prop forward, 26, was a consistent member of the Coventry side in his time there, making 69 appearances over the past few seasons.
Commenting on the addition of Salt, Gloucester head coach George Skivington said: “Eliot is a player who has earned a really strong reputation in the Champ and has been very consistent over a number of seasons.
“He’s at a good age for a prop and has plenty of experience already, but we also believe there’s more to come from him.
“We’re looking forward to bringing him into the group and seeing him develop further in our environment.”
Saracens add CHAMP ace
Elsewhere in the PREM, Saracens have also turned to the CHAMP for reinforcements, adding Ampthill back Sione Va’enuku to their squad for next season.
The former rugby league man is no stranger to a PREM environment having spent time on trial at Northampton Saints, and now joins the North London outfit after a strong two-year spell with Ampthill.
In his time with the second-tier side, Va’enuku made 39 appearances and scored 17 tries.
Commenting on the signing, Saracens director of rugby, Brendan Venter, said: “Sione has worked incredibly hard for this opportunity and has shown real determination in the way he has developed his game over the last couple of years.
“He is a powerful and athletic midfielder with a real hunger to improve, and we believe he has the qualities and potential to thrive in our environment. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club and seeing his development continue.”
Also commenting, Va’enuku added: “I’m honoured to join such a historic club and excited for the opportunity ahead.
“I’m looking forward to learning from the coaches and the quality players in the squad, especially the backs, and continuing to grow my game in this environment.”
READ MORE: Sir Steve Hansen’s verdict on Rassie Erasmus’ depth building: ‘It’s that mindset of we don’t care’