With the commencement of the pre-season for the 2024/25 season, clubs in the Gallagher Premiership are in full swing with preparations. One key aspect of the preparation is the shuffling and signing of players in the rugby transfer market which has seen considerable activity, signifying significant changes in team compositions for the upcoming season.
The 2022-2023 season saw Semesa Rokoduguni, the former England international winger, signing for the French ProD2 side, US Montauban, after his 10-year stint with Premiership club, Bath Rugby, during which he made 194 appearances and scored 71 tries. Rokoduguni is now making his return to the English rugby scene after signing with Championship side, Doncaster Knights, for the upcoming 2024/25 season. His signing is anticipated to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Knights, as mentioned by their head coach Joe Ford.
Another significant move is that of Billy Twelvetrees, the former Gloucester Rugby captain, who retired from rugby last month after helping Ealing Trailfinders secure the Championship. Twelvetrees is back in Kingsholm, overseeing passing drills as the players return for pre-season. This highlights the club’s commitment to utilizing the expertise of former players in contributing to the team.
In another bid to enhance their team, Exeter Chiefs continue to pursue Reuben Bird-Tulloch, a former Saracens and Northampton Saints centre, from Ealing Trailfinders. His potential signing is deferred but remains an ongoing target for the Chiefs, indicating their persistence in securing a valuable addition to their squad.
Lloyd Evans, the full-back who was granted an early release from his contract with Gloucester Rugby, is set to join Dragons RFC for the 2024/25 season. Evans, who brings a wealth of experience from the English Premiership and top tier of European competition, is expected to make an immediate impression with the Dragons and is lauded by their head coach Dai Flanagan.
Scouts from various Welsh United Rugby Championship clubs have their eyes on James Williams, the Bristol Bears midfield playmaker, in an attempt to bring him into their fold. This move is aimed at accelerating his international career with Wales, highlighting the strategic thinking behind the player movement in the rugby landscape.
Furthermore, the attention is also turning to the coaching staff with the news that Gloucester head of performance, Dan Tobin, might be lured by the Irish Rugby Union. His expertise in leading the sport and science, fitness, and conditioning aspect of the team makes him a sought-after professional in the industry.
In addition, players such as Charlie Rice and Aristot Benz-Salomon and Jonny Benz-Salomon have also undergone team changes, with Rice signing with Cornish Pirates and the Benz-Salomon twins joining Gloucester Rugby and Championship side Hartpury.
Finally, a notable departure is that of second-row Elliott Stooke, who confirmed his move to the NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in Japan after leaving Bath Rugby. His 14 appearances for Bath Rugby during the 2023/24 season establish him as an experienced and valuable player, adding depth to the team he joins in Japan.
The movements in the rugby world, as seen through the lens of player transfers and team compositions, underscore the dynamism and ever-evolving nature of the sport as clubs strive to assemble competitive teams for the upcoming season. The strategic signings and departures of seasoned professionals and emerging talent reflect the continual pursuit of success and excellence in the world of rugby.
Rugby Transfer Rumors and Player Movement in the 2024/25 Season
