Rugby Transfers: Leinster re-sign latest Ireland duo, South African prop decides future and Newcastle Red Bulls see double exit
Gus McCarthy (right) and Max Deegan (left) feature in the latest round up of rugby transfers
Leinster have tied down further Ireland internationals for next season, South African prop Ethan Burger has made a key decision on his future and Newcastle Red Bulls announce double exit.
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Leinster re-sign Ireland duo as contract flurry continues
Leinster have continued their flurry on new contracts, with Ireland internationals Gus McCarthy and Max Deegan the latest to pen extensions with the five-time Champions Cup winners.
In doing so, they become the latest capped players to commit their future to the Dublin-based side ahead of next season, following the likes of Harry Byrne, Paddy McCarthy, Jordan Larmour, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park.
Hooker McCarthy made his senior bow for the province back in the 2023/2024 season with a cameo against the Bulls, but quickly became a regular in the following campaign with 14 appearances in all competitions. His form also saw him whisked into the Ireland squad, initially as an apprentice player, before going onto win his first cap against Fiji and adding a further five Test appearances to his tally across the season.
That continued into the early stages of this campaign, too, making 12 appearances for Leinster and one for Ireland.
Back-rower Deegan has also been a regular feature for the province since his debut in 2016/17, making 156 appearances in the time since and even captaining the side on occasion. He, too, has also seen his domestic form rewarded with Test appearances, featuring three times for Ireland after making his debut in 2022.
Elsewhere, Cormac Foley has also put pen to paper on a new deal with Leinster after a brief loan spell with fellow URC outfit Ospreys earlier this season. The scrum-half is also currently playing in the All-Ireland League with Lansdowne FC.
Ethan Burger recommits to Exeter Chiefs
South African prop Ethan Burger has also re-committed to his current employers, signing an extension with PREM side Exeter Chiefs for next season.
The 25-year-old loosehead joined the Devonians part-way through last season from Tuks rugby, a team based out of the University of Pretoria, and has gone onto make 12 appearances for the club.
Commenting on re-signing with Exeter, Burger said: “It was an easy decision to stay, I think we’re building something really special here at Chiefs, which I’m grateful to be a part of.
“The support and backing we get from our fans is unmatched. I’d love to be a part of giving back to them by securing results that we as a club strive for.
“I’ve already learned so much, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. I’m excited to see how I can push on from here as an individual player and as part of this squad.”
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Chiefs director of rugby, Rob Baxter, added: “Ethan is a young, dynamic and powerful prop forward, who is clearly improving with each minute he spends on the field.
“We see it with his training too, as he matures into a more experienced player. I think he’s got a very bright future and that he’ll be one of those guys who we involve more and more in the coming seasons.
“He’s got the best balance of a modern loosehead where his set-piece is developing all the time but then he genuinely can move and get on the ball to be a dynamic ball-carrier. We see an awfully bright future for him.”
He is also the latest Chief to re-sign with the club, following the likes of Will Haydon-Wood and Jimmy Roots, among others, ahead of next year.
Newcastle Red Bulls duo make Champ switch
Newcastle Red Bulls prop forwards Callum and Connor Hancock will leave the club at the end of the season to join Champ side, Doncaster Knights.
The duo, who are identical twins, joined Newcastle at the start of last season after impressing in BUCS Super Rugby for Leeds Beckett University, and made 10 and 14 appearances respectively for the North East outfit.
Commenting on leaving Newcastle, tighthead prop Connor said: “It has been a huge honour to represent Newcastle and be part of a really exciting period of change for the club. Callum and I have loved the whole experience, and we now have a big opportunity to return to our home county of Yorkshire when we start with Doncaster in the summer.”
On joining Doncaster, he added: “I cant wait to get started, I’m excited to work with Daz and Nez again, working with them at England students got the very best out of me. I feel honoured to sign for my home town club, I can’t wait to rip in and play in front of the Castle Park crowd.”
Commenting on his exit from the Red Bulls, loosehead Callum said: “I’m really grateful for the couple of seasons I got to spend at Newcastle, learning loads from a great group of lads and all the coaches we’ve worked under.”
On joining Doncaster, he added: “I’m excited for the opportunity to play for the Knights. I’ve worked under Daz and Nez at England students and they are 2 coaches that get the very best out of me, absolutely buzzing for the season ahead.”
Also speaking on the signings of the prop pair, Doncaster head coach, Darren Fearn, said: “Anyone who knows Con and Cal will understand straight away the type of characters they are. On the field, they’ve spent the last two seasons with the Red Bulls after coming through Leeds Beckett, gaining experience in Premiership and European rugby. As proud Dinnington lads, they’ll be a great addition to not only the squad but the wider club.”