As January winds down, the rugby transfer market remains ablaze with activity, with Newcastle Red Bulls once again making headlines alongside Exeter Chiefs, who have clinched a deal with a powerhouse Bath centre. Here’s the lowdown on the latest moves shaking up the rugby scene.
Will Butt, after 69 appearances for Bath, is set to fortify Exeter Chiefs on a three-year contract starting this summer. Emerging from Bath's academy at a young age, Butt has carved out a niche for himself, particularly excelling in the kick-chase game and defense. "I’m incredibly excited to be joining Chiefs next season. They’re a team that have achieved a huge amount in the last 10 years and look to be building something special once again. I’m looking forward to being a part of the group and contributing to the team in any way that I can," Butt exclaimed.
"He’s an experienced player who’s big and strong, got a great set of skills, including being a very good defender. We feel that he’s still got a lot of really good rugby to play,"
said Rob Baxter, Chiefs’ director of rugby.
Over in Newcastle, former Leicester Tiger Zack Henry is set to return to the PREM with the Newcastle Red Bulls. After a fruitful stint in France, the 31-year-old fly-half is thrilled about his return. "I’m really excited about coming home. I have spent nine years of my professional career in France and my only time in the PREM was during Covid, so I’m excited about coming home and having the full experience. I’m also really excited by what Newcastle are building," Henry shared enthusiastically.
"Zack is a very accomplished fly-half who knows his way round the field and has played at a high level for a number of years now. He has the attacking skill set to help get our back line firing, as well as a strong kicking game,"
noted Neil McIlroy, Sporting general manager for Newcastle.
In a more somber update, French prop Uini Atonio’s career has come to an abrupt end following a heart attack that led to his immediate hospitalization and subsequent retirement. La Rochelle’s club statement confirmed, "His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation. Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery." The club and its supporters are rallying around Atonio during this challenging time.
This month has indeed been pivotal for rugby transfers, with players moving across clubs and countries, shaping the dynamics of the upcoming season.
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As January winds down, the rugby transfer market remains ablaze with activity, with Newcastle Red Bulls once again making headlines alongside Exeter Chiefs, who have clinched a deal with a powerhouse Bath centre. Here’s the lowdown on the latest moves shaking up the rugby scene.
Will Butt, after 69 appearances for Bath, is set to fortify Exeter Chiefs on a three-year contract starting this summer. Emerging from Bath's academy at a young age, Butt has carved out a niche for himself, particularly excelling in the kick-chase game and defense. "I’m incredibly excited to be joining Chiefs next season. They’re a team that have achieved a huge amount in the last 10 years and look to be building something special once again. I’m looking forward to being a part of the group and contributing to the team in any way that I can," Butt exclaimed.
"He’s an experienced player who’s big and strong, got a great set of skills, including being a very good defender. We feel that he’s still got a lot of really good rugby to play,"
said Rob Baxter, Chiefs’ director of rugby.Over in Newcastle, former Leicester Tiger Zack Henry is set to return to the PREM with the Newcastle Red Bulls. After a fruitful stint in France, the 31-year-old fly-half is thrilled about his return. "I’m really excited about coming home. I have spent nine years of my professional career in France and my only time in the PREM was during Covid, so I’m excited about coming home and having the full experience. I’m also really excited by what Newcastle are building," Henry shared enthusiastically.
"Zack is a very accomplished fly-half who knows his way round the field and has played at a high level for a number of years now. He has the attacking skill set to help get our back line firing, as well as a strong kicking game,"
noted Neil McIlroy, Sporting general manager for Newcastle.In a more somber update, French prop Uini Atonio’s career has come to an abrupt end following a heart attack that led to his immediate hospitalization and subsequent retirement. La Rochelle’s club statement confirmed, "His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation. Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery." The club and its supporters are rallying around Atonio during this challenging time.
This month has indeed been pivotal for rugby transfers, with players moving across clubs and countries, shaping the dynamics of the upcoming season.