Rugby Transfers: Wallabies veterans return to Australia, England ace makes decision on future and Mike Catt lands fresh coaching role following Waratahs exit
Bernard Foley (left) and Mike Catt (right) feature in the latest round-up of rugby transfers
Wallabies duo Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps will return to Super Rugby next season, an England forward has made a key call on his future and Mike Catt has landed a new role.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps make Super Rugby return
Wallabies veterans Foley and Phipps have completed a sensational return to Super Rugby Pacific side the Waratahs.
The pair left Sydney in 2019 to take up opportunities elsewhere, but have now put pen to paper on deals for the 2027 campaign.
Both players boast serious experience across Super Rugby and Test level, with a combined 253 appearances in the Southern Hemisphere club competition and 147 Test caps for the Wallabies. In that time, they also helped the ‘Tahs claim the 2014 Super Rugby title.
Commenting on the arrival of the duo, Waratahs director of high performance, B-J Mather, said: “What has been clear in my conversations with Bernard and Nick is their hunger to contribute and their desire to help drive our team forward.
“They have a deep understanding of what it means to represent the Waratahs and they know what it takes to build a winning environment.
“They’re both outstanding professionals who were there for one of the most memorable chapters in our club’s history and we’re excited to welcome them back to help shape the next one.”
On returning to Sydney, Foley said: “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to rejoin the Waratahs for 2027.
“I feel very lucky to have the chance to finish back at the club where it all started.
“I can’t wait to meet the playing group and everyone involved and get to work.”
Phipps added: “I’m super excited to be back home at the Waratahs.
“The chance to return and give something back to the club and the players is an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up.
“I’ve had so many great memories at the Waratahs and I want to be a part of another team making their own great memories.”
George Kloska makes call on PREM future
Bristol Bears forward George Kloska will remain in the West Country for the foreseeable future, after penning a long-term deal with the PREM outfit.
The Bristol-native has spent the entirety of his career with the Bears after first coming through the club’s academy, and has notched 86 appearances for the club.
His form has also seen him thrust into the Test picture, winning his first two England caps during the recent Nations Championship campaign. He has also featured three times for England A and England XV.
Commenting on his new deal with Bristol, the 26-year-old said: “I’m excited to see what we can achieve this season. We’ve got a strong squad, a fantastic group of players and coaches, and I feel like we’re building towards something special. I’m grateful for the faith the club has shown in me and can’t wait to keep representing Bristol and our supporters for years to come.
“This club means everything to me. Growing up in Bristol, coming through the Academy and now having the opportunity to represent my hometown club every week is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“The last few months have been really special. To make my England debut and then win a second cap is something I’ll never forget, but I know that wouldn’t have been possible without everything I’ve learned at Bristol Bears and the people who’ve supported me throughout my journey.”
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Bears’ director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “George’s journey is everything we want Bristol Bears to stand for. He’s a proud Bristolian who has embraced our Academy pathway, worked incredibly hard to improve every part of his game and earned every opportunity that has come his way.
“Watching him pull on an England shirt was a hugely proud moment for everyone connected with the club because we know the work that’s gone into getting there. He’s a brilliant example for the next generation of young players coming through our system that if you commit to improving every day, opportunities will come.
“George is still developing and we believe his best years are ahead of him. He’s a popular member of the group, understands exactly what we’re building here, and we’re delighted that he’ll continue his journey in a Bears shirt.”
Mike Catt lands fresh coaching role after Waratahs exit
England World Cup-winner and former Ireland and Italy assistant Catt will remain in Super Rugby Pacific next season after joining the Fijian Drua coaching staff.
His move to the Pacific Island side comes following his exit from the Waratahs at the end of last season, and sees him become the latest new face on the Drua staff after the addition of new head coach Brad Mooar.
Commenting on joining Fijian Drua, Catt said: “I’m very excited. I think what I’ve seen and how the Drua have performed in the past five years since they’ve started has been very impressive and it only looks like going forward, they are heading towards the right direction.
“To be part of something special and relatively new is very and it is the calibre of the players that I watch on a weekly basis for the past couple of years since I’ve been in Australia, is very impressive.
“One of the big reasons why I came is, I’ve never really coached a nation where rugby is their number one sport. And I love the game, it has taken me around the world, and I’ve had the most incredible journey and for me to give back to the people and make sure that we go to another level is crucial. This is very exciting to me.”
Fijian Drua CEO, Jeff Miller, added: “We are very excited to announce Mike as Brad’s senior assistant coach as he brings with him a wealth of coaching and playing experience.
“To have someone that has achieved so much as part of our coaching team is a great coup for our club and for Fiji!”
