In a flurry of rugby transfers, Christian Wade secures another season with Newcastle Red Bulls, while Phil Cokanasiga gears up to bolster Gloucester's midfield. Meanwhile, scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme is set to bring his talents to Exeter Chiefs after his stint with Bristol Bears.
Christian Wade, former British and Irish Lion, has recommitted to Newcastle Red Bulls, extending his contract for another year. Wade, who joined from Wigan Warriors, is on the chase for the all-time PREM top try-scorer record. "I’m really excited to continue this journey with Newcastle Red Bulls. From the moment I arrived here I’ve loved the energy around the club and the support from our fans," Wade expressed. Neil McIlroy, the Red Bulls' Sporting General Manager, praised Wade's influence, noting, "He has been unlucky with a couple of injuries which were outside of his control, but in the games he has played, he has made plenty of positive contributions."
Phil Cokanasiga is set to leave Ospreys for Gloucester Rugby at the commencement of the 2026/27 season. The 24-year-old center has been impactful with four tries this season. Gloucester's Head Coach, George Skivington, anticipates Cokanasiga's addition, stating, "Phil is a talented rugby player, and he's coming off the back of a successful second season with the Ospreys." Cokanasiga shared his enthusiasm about the move: "I’m really excited to take on a new opportunity in the PREM. I already know a lot of the players and coaches at Kingsholm, so I’m looking forward to settling in quickly."
Over at Bristol Bears, scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme will transition to Exeter Chiefs by the end of the 2025/26 season. Despite his love for Bristol, Wolstenholme acknowledged the need for more regular game time. "I’ve absolutely loved my time at Bristol Bears. The culture of the club and the environment the coaches and staff have created has been brilliant to be part of," he stated. Pat Lam, Bristol's Director of Rugby, commented on the move: "Sam has been an outstanding team man throughout his time here. He leaves with our full support because he deserves the chance to play consistently at this level."
"I’m really excited to continue this journey with Newcastle Red Bulls. From the moment I arrived here I’ve loved the energy around the club and the support from our fans."
"I’ve absolutely loved my time at Bristol Bears. The culture of the club and the environment the coaches and staff have created has been brilliant to be part of."
These strategic moves promise to reshape the playing squads and potentially the future dynamics of Premiership Rugby. As these players embark on their new chapters, the teams hope to leverage their skills to clinch more victories in the upcoming seasons.
2,100 posts
In a flurry of rugby transfers, Christian Wade secures another season with Newcastle Red Bulls, while Phil Cokanasiga gears up to bolster Gloucester's midfield. Meanwhile, scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme is set to bring his talents to Exeter Chiefs after his stint with Bristol Bears.
Christian Wade, former British and Irish Lion, has recommitted to Newcastle Red Bulls, extending his contract for another year. Wade, who joined from Wigan Warriors, is on the chase for the all-time PREM top try-scorer record. "I’m really excited to continue this journey with Newcastle Red Bulls. From the moment I arrived here I’ve loved the energy around the club and the support from our fans," Wade expressed. Neil McIlroy, the Red Bulls' Sporting General Manager, praised Wade's influence, noting, "He has been unlucky with a couple of injuries which were outside of his control, but in the games he has played, he has made plenty of positive contributions."
Phil Cokanasiga is set to leave Ospreys for Gloucester Rugby at the commencement of the 2026/27 season. The 24-year-old center has been impactful with four tries this season. Gloucester's Head Coach, George Skivington, anticipates Cokanasiga's addition, stating, "Phil is a talented rugby player, and he's coming off the back of a successful second season with the Ospreys." Cokanasiga shared his enthusiasm about the move: "I’m really excited to take on a new opportunity in the PREM. I already know a lot of the players and coaches at Kingsholm, so I’m looking forward to settling in quickly."
Over at Bristol Bears, scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme will transition to Exeter Chiefs by the end of the 2025/26 season. Despite his love for Bristol, Wolstenholme acknowledged the need for more regular game time. "I’ve absolutely loved my time at Bristol Bears. The culture of the club and the environment the coaches and staff have created has been brilliant to be part of," he stated. Pat Lam, Bristol's Director of Rugby, commented on the move: "Sam has been an outstanding team man throughout his time here. He leaves with our full support because he deserves the chance to play consistently at this level."
"I’m really excited to continue this journey with Newcastle Red Bulls. From the moment I arrived here I’ve loved the energy around the club and the support from our fans."
"I’ve absolutely loved my time at Bristol Bears. The culture of the club and the environment the coaches and staff have created has been brilliant to be part of."
These strategic moves promise to reshape the playing squads and potentially the future dynamics of Premiership Rugby. As these players embark on their new chapters, the teams hope to leverage their skills to clinch more victories in the upcoming seasons.