Rugby Transfers: Stormers end pursuit of Springbok’s replacement, Joe Schmidt’s next role and Ulster bring South African prop back to Ireland
Rugby Transfers: Argentina's Tomás Lavanini, Australia's Joe Schmidt and ex-Munster prop Keynan Knox
John Dobson’s Stormers have pulled the plug on their attempt to bring Tomás Lavanini to Cape Town, outgoing Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt has decided his next move, while Ulster have snapped up a former Munster prop who has been playing in France.
Stormers end interest in Lavanini
Stormers have ended their chase for veteran Argentine lock Lavanini, revealing that the forward’s contract demands were too high. The United Rugby Championship semi-finalists have been searching for a signing to help fill the void that will be left with Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden heading to the French Top 14, a situation complicated by the decision of Alex Groves to switch to the Ospreys.
The 33-year-old Argentine spent four seasons in France – three at Clermont and one at Lyon – before a move to the Hurricanes for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Lavanini has been linked with the Sale Sharks, but Stormers were thought to be favourites to land his signature until Dobson decided he would cost too much.
Speaking to Netwerk24, the director of rugby explained: “We would rather put our faith in the local guys like Connor Evans, Riley Norton (the Junior Boks captain) and Gary Porter, who are full-blooded Stormers.” The Cape Town franchise has also signed Dylan de Leeuw, the ex-Western Province U21 skipper, on a one-year deal.
Moerat has been signed by La Rochelle, with Van Heerden picked up by Montpellier. Both players featured in last weekend’s URC semi-final defeat at Leinster. After returning to South Africa, Moerat linked up with the Springboks for their upcoming match against the Barbarians, but an injury led to his release and Van Heerden’s replacement in the squad.
Schmidt to stay involved with Australia
Soon-to-exit Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt has opted to remain involved with Australia after he steps down next month, committing to assist Stephen Larkham with the Australian A team.
Schmidt is set to hand the Wallaby reins over to Les Kiss in July following the three-match Nations Championship block of fixtures versus Ireland, France and Italy. However, rather than being lost to the Australians, he has agreed to help our Larkham with the A team.
Larkham and Schmidt will be joined by Western Force coach Simon Cron for a campaign where the fixtures are set to be confirmed later this month. “We are pleased to have assembled a highly-credentialed and experienced Australia A coaching staff for this year,” said Peter Horne, the Rugby Australia director of high performance.
“To have Stephen, Simon and Joe driving this program will ensure our next cohort of players get access to an elite-level environment where they have the opportunity to grow and develop their games. With the home World Cup firmly on the horizon, building genuine depth is one of our key priorities and this campaign will allow us to do exactly that.”
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South African prop heads back to Ireland
Tighthead Keynan Knox is set to return to Irish rugby as Nevers, his Pro D2 club in France, have agreed to terminate its contract with the South African so that he can join Ulster. It was at Craven Week a decade ago when Muster took an interest in Knox, convincing the South African his future in the game would be best served by joining the Irish province’s academy.
He went on to play more than 30 first-team matches for Munster, but his largely injury-hit spell at the club was ended by a 2024 move to Bourgoin, the tier-three French club.
It was there that Knox enjoyed an unhindered run of matches, earning him a switch to Nevers that has now come to an end with the tier-two outfit ending their deal with the 27-year-old early following discussions with Ulster, who also have Argentine prop Eduardo Bello joining ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Nevers president Régis Dumange told French media: “We had been in discussions for a month and a half. Everything was finalized on Thursday. I never want to prevent a player from playing at the highest level.”
Ospreys bring in another ex-Wallaby
Hot on the heels of signing Liam Wright for next season, the Ospreys have now announced the capture of his fellow ex-Wallaby Lalakai Foketi for next season. Currently with the Chiefs, who next weekend take on the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific final, the midfielder was debuted in the tournament for the Rebels before switching to Bayonne in France.
He returned to Australia to play for the Waratahs, going on to earn Wallabies caps under Dave Rennie and also represent the First Nations and Pasifika XV against the British and Irish Lions last year before joining the Chiefs for their 2026 Super Rugby campaign.
“I’m really happy to be joining the Ospreys,” said the 31-year-old midfielder. “It’s a club with a proud history and after speaking with Mark (Jones), I can see that the team has a clear vision of where it’s striving to be. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the environment here and the passion of the supporters, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the coaches and my new teammates.
“The focus for me is to bring my experience, play my part for the team and contribute in whatever way I can in helping this club to be successful. I think the way the team wants to play is something that will bring the best out of my game, and I’m excited by the prospect of that.”
Head coach Jones added: “This is another great bit of news for the club and our supporters. Lalakai is an experienced international who can immediately make a real contribution to us both on and off the field.
“He’s a real all-rounder at centre with what he can offer on the ball and in defence, and we feel he will add even further quality to our already talented group of centres. He’s got a few points of difference that will bring a new dimension to our attack, and we’re excited to utilise that.”
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Gloucester sign ‘great addition’ Samoan prop
George Skivington’s Gloucester have confirmed the signing of Samoan tighthead prop Marco Fepulea’I. The New Zealand-born, 124kg prop came through the Blues system in Auckland before spending two seasons in America with the LA Giltinis.
France was the next stop for the 31-year-old, spending three seasons at Colomiers before splitting his time last term between Top 14 side Bayonne and Pro D2 club Mont-de-Marsan.
Fepulea’i said: “It’s a huge step in my career and I’m excited to test myself in a new league. I can’t wait to get started at Gloucester. My focus is on working hard, earning the respect of the coaches, players and supporters, and contributing to the team.”
Coach Skivington added: “It’s no secret we have been looking to add experienced depth at tighthead, so we are really pleased to get this deal done. We want our pack to have real physicality and edge next season, and Marco brings exactly that, presence, power and set‑piece strength. He’ll be a great addition.”
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