Alfie Barbeary, a rising star in English rugby, is gearing up to join Saracens from Bath, while James Harper is set to strengthen Newcastle Red Bulls, and Hamish Watson makes a surprising move to Leicester Tigers on a short-term loan. Here’s the latest scoop on the rugby transfer market shaking things up.
Barbeary’s move to Saracens marks a significant step in his career, especially as he fills the gap left by Tom Willis’s departure to the Top 14. After a standout treble-winning season with Bath and earning England A caps, Barbeary is ready for his next challenge.
"Saracens have always been a top club and I am looking forward to a new challenge in North London,"
Barbeary stated. Saracens' Director of Rugby, Mark McCall, expressed his enthusiasm about Barbeary joining the team, noting,
"Alfie is a highly talented young player... His attributes and character will complement and add value to the group."
Meanwhile, Newcastle Red Bulls are bolstering their squad with the addition of James Harper, a seasoned prop from Sale Sharks. A product of Sale's youth system, Harper is excited about his transition.
"It’s really exciting coming to a club that’s starting afresh, in many ways... I’ve loved playing for [Sale], but at the same time, I’m also looking forward to this new chapter and to challenging myself in a new environment,"
Harper remarked. Neil McIlroy, Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager, praised Harper's experience and potential impact at Newcastle.
Scottish flanker Hamish Watson returns to Leicester Tigers, a club where he previously honed his skills in their academy. This move, albeit short-term, brings Watson’s career full circle.
"It’s a full-circle moment for me to rejoin Tigers having been in the academy system here earlier in my career... It's an honour to join them, even on a short-term basis,"
Watson explained. Leicester’s head coach, Geoff Parling, highlighted the timely boost Watson brings to the squad amidst injuries.
With these moves, the landscape of Premiership rugby continues to evolve as clubs strategically strengthen their line-ups ahead of the next season.
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Alfie Barbeary, a rising star in English rugby, is gearing up to join Saracens from Bath, while James Harper is set to strengthen Newcastle Red Bulls, and Hamish Watson makes a surprising move to Leicester Tigers on a short-term loan. Here’s the latest scoop on the rugby transfer market shaking things up.
Barbeary’s move to Saracens marks a significant step in his career, especially as he fills the gap left by Tom Willis’s departure to the Top 14. After a standout treble-winning season with Bath and earning England A caps, Barbeary is ready for his next challenge.
"Saracens have always been a top club and I am looking forward to a new challenge in North London,"
Barbeary stated. Saracens' Director of Rugby, Mark McCall, expressed his enthusiasm about Barbeary joining the team, noting,"Alfie is a highly talented young player... His attributes and character will complement and add value to the group."
Meanwhile, Newcastle Red Bulls are bolstering their squad with the addition of James Harper, a seasoned prop from Sale Sharks. A product of Sale's youth system, Harper is excited about his transition.
"It’s really exciting coming to a club that’s starting afresh, in many ways... I’ve loved playing for [Sale], but at the same time, I’m also looking forward to this new chapter and to challenging myself in a new environment,"
Harper remarked. Neil McIlroy, Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager, praised Harper's experience and potential impact at Newcastle.Scottish flanker Hamish Watson returns to Leicester Tigers, a club where he previously honed his skills in their academy. This move, albeit short-term, brings Watson’s career full circle.
"It’s a full-circle moment for me to rejoin Tigers having been in the academy system here earlier in my career... It's an honour to join them, even on a short-term basis,"
Watson explained. Leicester’s head coach, Geoff Parling, highlighted the timely boost Watson brings to the squad amidst injuries.With these moves, the landscape of Premiership rugby continues to evolve as clubs strategically strengthen their line-ups ahead of the next season.