Premiership Rugby 2026/27: Every Transfer In and Out

The 2026/27 Premiership Rugby transfer window is producing some genuinely significant movement, and for South African supporters, the names heading in and out of English club rugby demand attention. Thomas du Toit departs Bath, Stephan Lewies leaves Harlequins, and Hanro Liebenburg exits Leicester Tigers — a steady outflow of Springbok-connected talent that reshapes the provincial picture back home just as the United Rugby Championship approaches.

Newcastle Red Bulls Lead Major Recruitment Drive

Newcastle Red Bulls have made the loudest noise in recruitment. Their incoming list reads like a franchise rebuild rather than a squad refresh: Werner Kok arrives from Ulster, Hoskins Sotutu crosses from the Blues, Pouri Rakete-Stones and Fehi Fineanganofo come in from the Hurricanes, and Raffi Quirke, James Harper and Obi Ene all leave Sale Sharks for the north-east. George Turner heads there from Harlequins, while Rusi Tuima, Josh Hodge and Will Rigg move in the opposite direction — all three leaving Exeter Chiefs for Newcastle. It is an overhaul in every sense.

South African Players in the Transfer Mix

The South African thread runs through several clubs. Sharks lose Thomas du Toit to Bath permanently, while the Bulls see Hanro Liebenburg depart Leicester for what appears to be a return home — his exit from Tigers confirmed. Boeta Chamberlain leaves Newcastle Red Bulls bound for the Lions. Stefan Coetzee and Luan de Bruin are both released by Newcastle, adding to the SA-flavoured churn. On the incoming side, Cebo Dlamini arrives at Sale from the Sharks, and JJ Scheepers joins from the Pumas — South African firepower heading north.

Elsewhere, Gloucester pull off a notable coup with George Furbank arriving from Northampton Saints, while Jac Morgan's move to Gloucester from the Ospreys is one of the marquee Welsh transfers of the window. Saracens bring in Alfie Barbeary from Bath and George Martin from Leicester Tigers, bolstering a squad that already carries serious depth. Jean Kleyn makes the journey from Munster to Gloucester, adding another layer of physicality to the West Country club's pack.

Leicester Tigers and Other Club Activity

Leicester Tigers have been active too. Tomas Francis arrives from Provence, Nicky Smith joins from Sale, and Christ Tshiunza makes the switch from Exeter Chiefs. Their outgoings are equally notable — Raffi Quirke, James Harper and Obi Ene all leave for Newcastle, while Rob du Preez heads to Bayonne and Dan du Preez completes a move to Bath.

Saracens add Harry Wilson from Gloucester and Tomos Williams from Gloucester — a significant Welsh international acquisition — while losing Alfie Barbeary to Bath. Mako Vunipola arrives at Leicester from Vannes, completing a homecoming of sorts. Corne Weilbach's move to Saracens from the Stormers is the kind of transfer that keeps the SA-to-Prem pipeline firmly open.

The window is far from shut, and with Premiership clubs still finalising agreements, expect more South African names to surface before the season kicks off. The movement of players between the Prem and the Currie Cup ecosystem remains a live conversation — one that SA Rugby's player welfare framework will continue to shape heading into the new campaign.