Rugby Transfers: Scottish southern hemisphere raid continues, South African prop makes call on future and Northampton Saints bolster ranks
Tom Botha (left) and Bayley Kuenzle (right) feature in the latest round-up of rugby transfers
Another Super Rugby talent will head to Scotland next season, a South African prop has made a key decision on his future and Northampton Saints have again turned to the CHAMP for reinforcements.
Check out our latest transfer news and rumours update:
Latest Super Rugby man makes switch to Scotland
Glasgow Warriors have confirmed the signing of Bayley Kuenzle on a two-year deal from the start of next season.
The Western Force man, who was drafted into the wider Wallabies squad in 2024, is the latest Super Rugby player to sign with a Scottish URC side, following Edinburgh recruits Louie Chapman and Riley Higgins in the process.
Alongside his inclusion in the Wallabies squad, Kuenzle also represented Australia A in 2022.
Commenting on his move to Glasgow, the 27-year-old said: “I’m hugely excited. It’s a massive opportunity for me, and Glasgow is a club that’s been successful which speaks volumes on the culture. I’m really looking forward to getting over there, meeting the group, and getting stuck in.
“A big part of the move was the style of rugby that Glasgow play and the culture around the club. They play an exciting brand of rugby, and you can see how tight the group is. It feels like a place where you can grow as a player and be part of something special.
“I had some really good conversations with the coaching staff, including Franco, and a couple of players as well. Everyone was really positive about the environment and the direction the club is heading in. Those chats definitely gave me a lot of confidence that it was the right move.
“To the Warrior Nation, I’m really excited to represent the club and play in front of you all. I’ll give everything I’ve got every time I pull on the jersey, and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and be part of the Glasgow family.”
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Also commenting, head coach Franco Smith added: “Bayley is a player that we believe will add to our environment, both on and off the field.
“His versatility will be a real asset to our squad, and he has shown his quality with and without the ball, irrespective of the number on his jersey.
“We know how excited he is to become a Glasgow Warrior, and we look forward to working with him next season.”
He isn’t the only man swapping the Southern Hemisphere for Scotland next season, either, with Glasgow also signing South African back-rower Ruwald van der Merwe.
South African prop makes call on future
Prop Tom Botha will remain with the Ospreys next season, after signing a fresh deal with the Welsh region.
The 35-year-old tighthead joined the Swansea-based side in 2018, and has made 161 appearances for them at the time of writing.
He becomes the latest player to re-sign with the region, following the likes of Kieran Hardy in the process.
Commenting on his new deal, Botha said: “Ever since I joined the Ospreys, I have been made to feel welcome; this club has become a second home for me, so I’m happy to be continuing my career here.
“I have had the privilege of playing alongside and learning from some incredible players in my time here. I’m now in a position in my career where I can pass on that knowledge to some of the younger boys coming through, whilst still giving my all on the field for this great club.”
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Ospreys head coach, Mark Jones, added: “Tommy has been an incredible servant to the Ospreys and a key factor behind our set-piece success as a team in recent seasons.
“The fact he has managed to mount up as many appearances as he has, it speaks volumes about his availability and care for the team.
“With the specialised nature of the tighthead position and the ever-growing influence of the scrum, the importance of quality in depth on that front is vital.
“We’ve got the ideal balance of experience and high-potential players coming through at three, so we’re excited by that department moving forward.”
Northampton Saints add latest CHAMP man to squad
PREM title chasers Northampton Saints have signed back-row forward Josh Taylor from CHAMP leaders Ealing Trailfinders
He is the latest to swap Tralifinders Sports Ground for Franklin’s Gardens next season, following Leftheri Zigiriadis to the East Midlands club.
Commenting on his move, Taylor said: “Where Saints are currently sitting in the PREM speaks for itself – it’s one of the best clubs in the country, and exactly where I want to be,” said Taylor.
“From the very first conversations with Northampton, it was clear how invested the coaches are in developing players here. The opportunity to be part of that environment, and to learn from some of the best coaches in the country, is hugely exciting for me.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Ealing for the role they’ve played in my development so far. The CHAMP is a fantastic place to learn your trade – the speed of the game, the physicality and the level of competition have all helped me grow, and that platform has allowed me to earn this opportunity.
“You only have to look at players at Saints who’ve made a similar step in recent seasons, like Tom James and Sam Graham, to see what’s possible. Watching them play in semi-finals and finals, and lifting trophies with Saints, really motivates me – that’s something I want to be part of.
“When I came in and met the coaches and staff, I knew straight away this was the right place for me. Everyone was welcoming, and I feel Saints is the perfect environment to push my game on. If I work hard, I believe this Club can help me reach my potential and achieve something special, so I can’t wait to get started.”
Northampton director of rugby, Phil Dowson, added: “Josh comes to Saints with an excellent reputation from a character point of view, particularly in terms of his work ethic.
“He’s taken on the captaincy at Ealing at a very young age, leading a group of highly talented and experienced players, which speaks volumes about him as a person. We’re looking forward to seeing how those leadership qualities translate here, how he fits into our environment, and how hungry he is to push himself on to the next level.
“He’s diligent and professional, and we’ve been really impressed watching him this season with how physical he is and how determined he is to make an impact on games. Whether that’s at the breakdown, where he consistently clears bodies, carrying into contact with real intent, or making repeated defensive contributions, he brings a lot of energy and edge.
“Josh has plenty of upsides to his game – he’s strong at set-piece, has a good skillset, and there’s a lot of potential for us to grow his game further here at Saints.
“We’ve got a really well-balanced back-row group next season, with experienced players staying on and some exciting young talent coming through the Academy. Josh will slot into that group well, and we’re excited about what he can learn from those around him and what he can add to us.
“We’ve had a strong track record at Saints of players stepping up from the CHAMP and kicking on, and we’re confident Josh can do the same in Black, Green and Gold.”
