Rugby transfers: Springboks snub heads abroad while South African props attract interest and ex-All Blacks star seals Super Rugby return
Split image of Thomas du Toit, George Bridge and Wilco Louw.
Ex-All Blacks winger George Bridge has sealed a return to Super Rugby Pacific following a stint in France, while Springboks props are attracting interest.
The 19-Test cap speedster has signed with the Western Force ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season and returns to the competition after three years at Top 14 club Montpellier.
Western Force sign All Blacks winger
Bridge won four Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders and Super Rugby Aotearoa twice during his six-year stint with the club before heading to the Top 14.
He was also part of New Zealand’s 2019 World Cup squad, helping the All Blacks reach the semi-finals. The winger, who can also play full-back, was part of the All Blacks’ side that won the 2021 Rugby Championship and scored 12 tries from his 19 Test appearances.
A try-scoring merchant, Bridge has played 82 Super Rugby games and scored 37 tries from his time with the Crusaders (2017-2022) and clocked up 48 caps and 11 tries for Montpellier (2022-2025) while in France.
“George is well known to a number of people on our staff and they can’t speak highly enough of his professionalism, approach to the game and his rugby knowledge,” Western Force head coach Simon Cron said.
“He’s got a massive left foot kick. He can play multiple positions. He’s a brilliant player. An amazing talent. He’ll add to the guys that we have in the squad. We know when we have injuries, it’s important we have depth so we can progress deep into Super Rugby finals.
“He’s got a huge amount to give. He’s been playing at Montpellier at Top 14 level. I know a few NZ franchises were chasing him hard, but he wanted to join the Force. I know George and his family were keen to come here and make Perth their chosen home, which is what we’re all about. He’ll add a lot to our environment.”
Bridge added: “I’m excited to be moving to WA and joining the Western Force.
“They’re a club heading in the right direction and I’m keen to take on the new challenge and contribute to the club’s success.
“I’ve always loved my time in Perth, and with friends and good connections among the staff and players, it felt like the right fit.”
Rassie Erasmus’ surprise call-up completes bombshell move in search of more game time
Springboks props attract interest
Springboks props Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw’s contracts are set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season, with clubs already lining up to snap up their services.
According to the Afrikaans publication Rapport, the Durban-based Sharks are interested in luring Du Toit back from Bath but will face stiff competition not only from the current Premiership champions but also from Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux.
A source told that publication that right now, it’s pure speculation that the Sharks are in talks to sign the front-rower, who is capable of playing loosehead and tighthead prop, but added that “any team in the world would be interested in Thomas, he is world-class.”
Similarly, the Stormers are also eager to secure the return of a former prop as they target Bulls tighthead Louw, who returned to South Africa, joining the Pretoria-based side after a stint at Harlequins.
Louw started his career in Cape Town before making the move to London and then returning to South Africa with the Bulls. According to Rapport, the Stormers are keen on him returning, with doubts around the future of Frans Malherbe, who is struggling with a back injury.
Malherbe, a double Rugby World Cup-winner, has been ruled out for the entire Springboks season with concerns raised about whether he will be forced into retirement. Still, the Boks’ tighthead is in the twilight of his career, and a source told the publication that the Stormers are keen to get ‘family man’ Louw back to Cape Town and are confident in doing so as the prop has a farm in the Western Cape, as do his in-laws.
While the return of Louw would be a massive boost to the Stormers’ tight-five stocks, they could well be losing a key second-rower as Ruben van Heerden has reportedly signed for French club Montpellier ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Top 14 club are in the market for a lock following Paul Willemse’s departure after the French international’s torrid run of concussions. Although Welshman Adam Beard will join the side, Montpellier want a heftier option in the second-row and have turned to Van Heerden, who has also had spells at the Sharks and Exeter Chiefs.
Finally, Los Pumas stalwart Tomas Lavanini is searching for a new club after being released by Lyon ahead of the new Top 14 season. The second-rower parted ways with the club by mutual consent, Lyon confirmed.
The 32-year-old lock has not been named in Felipe Contepomi’s Argentina squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship matches against the All Blacks.
READ MORE: Wallabies star makes shock retirement days after the British and Irish Lions Series
