Fissler Confidential: England lock moves closer to Tigers exit

Sale Sharks are close to agreeing a four-month deal with Currie Cup champions Griquas to sign highly rated winger Gurshwin Wehr, who is also a target for the surprise United Rugby Championship side the Stormers.

Stormers boss John Dobson, who has overseen the Stormers winning all five of their games this season, had invited Griquas stars Wehr, Dylan Maart and Caleb Abrahams to join them for training.

Wehr, who was Griquas’ Players’ Player of the Year, made one appearance for the Sharks in the URC in September 2024, and is expected to arrive in Manchester for the visit of Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher PREM at the end of the month.

Northampton Saints’ bid to retain the services of Anthony Belleau could have received a boost if Montpellier switch their attention to Crusaders ace Rivez Reihana to replace Bordeaux-bound Hugo Reus.

Saints are in talks with the former French international, who has impressed since moving to Franklin’s Gardens in the summer, but face competition from Top 14 clubs who are also taking a look at his CV.

Montpellier have doubts about the future of Thomas Vincent, but Domingo Miotti has a one-year option and has looked at Belleau. They are also taking a strong interest in Reihana, 25, who is in Europe with the All Blacks XV.

Bayonne have opened contract talks with former Northampton Saints and England under-20 lock Alex Moon, who is in the final year of his two-year deal with the club.

Ipswich-born Moon, 29, had spent his entire career at Franklin’s Gardens, making 126 appearances before jumping ship to France after helping them to win a Premiership title in June 2024.

Bayonne, who have recently agreed a new deal with Manu Tuilagi, are thought to be keen to keep Moon, who was on the verge of an England call-up before crossing the Channel, and further talks are planned.

Sale Sharks’ failure to agree a deal with Leicester Tigers and England lock George Martin could open the door for Gallagher PREM rivals Saracens to make a move to lure him from Welford Road.

Nottingham-born Martin, 24, who hasn’t played since being injured against France in February, isn’t expected to play again until the New Year after having an operation on nerve damage in his shoulder.

Martin is believed to be keen to leave the Tigers, and he has spoken to both clubs, who could seek assurances over his long-term fitness before pressing ahead with completing a deal.

Former Blues tighthead PJ Sheck is looking to secure a move to the UK after he was ditched by the Auckland franchise when they named their squad for the next Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Sheck, 25, who has made five appearances for the Blues and Highlanders, has spent the last five years playing for Wellington in the NPC but could take advantage of a change in rules to play overseas.

Born and bred in Porirua, his CV is doing the rounds of clubs in the Gallagher PREM and the Championship in a bid to drum up some interest for an arrival when his contract runs out at the end of the month.

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter admits the club have started their recruiting and retention, but it doesn’t bother him that they are behind other clubs who have been busy with their planning for months.

Baxter says that he wanted to take a good look at his squad after finishing ninth of ten clubs in the Gallagher PREM last season and is now ready to make his move.

“I’ve always worked on the process that if you miss out on the odd player but you don’t sign the wrong ones, you’re kind of heading in the right direction over a period of time, and we’ll continue with that policy,” he said.

Former Wales under-20 international outside centre Steff Hughes has announced his retirement to pursue a coaching career, following last season in the United States with Old Glory DC.

Hughes, 31, who can also play at inside centre, made over 100 appearances for the Scarlets and was a part of the Parc y Scarlets team that won the Pro14 title in 2014.

He moved to the MLR as a player-coach and said, “It’s been the biggest privilege to live my dream for what’s gone in the blink of an eye, but given me memories that last a lifetime.”

The Dragons have announced that second row Steve Cummins has left the club after making only six appearances since arriving at Rodney Parade.

Well-travelled Cummins, 33, has also played for the Eastern Province Kings, Melbourne Rising, Rebels, Scarlets and Pau before joining the Men of Gwent.

“Steve’s experience and professionalism have been an asset to our playing group throughout his time with us. He has been a pleasure to work with, and we wish him all the best,” said Head Coach Filo Tiatia.

Bordeaux-Bègles have secured tighthead Sipili Falatea, who was out of contract at the end of the season, by extending his contract until 2028.

Falatea, 28, who hails from the French Pacific island of Wallis and Futuna, moved to Bordeaux in 2022 and started their Champions Cup final success over Northampton Saints last May after overcoming a serious knee injury in 2024.

The Colomiers academy graduate, who had started his professional career at Clermont, has been capped 14 times, including once at the 2023 World Cup, and has played three times for Bordeaux this season.

Benetton Rugby have announced that they have tied down the Cannone brothers, Lorenzo and Niccolò, to new three-year deals with the United Rugby Championship outfit.

Back row Lorenzo, 24, started his career with Petrarca, started last weekend’s win over Australia at No 8, and was part of the squad that lost to South Africa. He has been capped 32 times by his country.

He has followed in the footsteps of his older brother Niccolò, 27, who has won over 50 Test caps and is closing in on 100 appearances for Benetton.