Fissler Extra: Bulls win Bok lock tug-of-war; ex-England star's son gets pro deal

The Bulls have agreed on a new three-year contract for Springbok lock Cobus Wiese to remain in Pretoria and deliver a blow to his former club, the Stormers, who were keen to take him back to Durban.

The 28-year-old returned from Sale Sharks in 2024 to catch the eye of Bok coach, Rassie Erasmus and is the younger brother of fellow Springbok, No.8 Jasper Wiese.

He was wanted by John Dobson to replace Ruben van Heerden, who is moving to French club Montpellier later this year.

Wiese, who has made 32 appearances for the Bulls, won two Test caps against Italy and Georgia last summer.

Veteran hooker Jack Yeandle admits that he would like to do another season with Exeter Chiefs after leading them into this Sunday’s PREM Rugby Cup against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

Yeandle, who will be 37 in December, joined his hometown club from Doncaster Knights in 2012 and has racked up more than 300 appearances for the club, banishing any thoughts of this being his last campaign.

“I am keen, and my body feels good. It’s a great job, and I’d love to do another year,” said Yeandle, who has won two Premiership titles and the 2020 European Champions Cup.

Newcastle Red Bulls could make their 19th’s new signing ahead of next season, with Samson Adejimi, who has been on loan in the North-East, pushing to make a permanent switch to Kingston Park.

The hooker who can also play at openside flanker made two appearances for the Red Bulls in the PREM Rugby Cup after being signed in November following an injury to Italy international Hame Faiva.

He has scored eight tries in 14 games for Sarries, where he is behind England hookers Jamie George and Theo Dan, as well as 12 in 27 appearances for Championship side Ampthill.

Springbok World Cup winner Jean Kleyn looks set to continue his international career when he moves to Gloucester after a decade with United Rugby Championship giants Munster later this year.

The former Ireland lock, 32, came off the bench for the Springboks in their 2023 World Cup Final victory over New Zealand, and won a recall to the international stage for wins over Italy and Wales during the autumn.

Now it has been reported that Johannesburg-born Kleyn, who started his career with the Stomers is likely to be invited by Rassie Erasmus to a Bok’s virtual alignment camp for overseas players.

Lewis Noon, the son of former Newcastle Falcons and England international Jamie, is now a leading player’s agent and has signed a two-year deal with Brive.

Noon, 21, who has made three appearances in the Pro D2 over the last couple of seasons, can operate on the wing or at full-back, has come through the ranks at Brive.

He has declared that he wants to represent France on the international stage after playing for them in the U18 Rugby Europe Sevens, and the second year of his new contract will be a professional deal.

Saracens are understood to be speaking to former NRL star Sione Va’enuku about making the move from Rugby Champ outfit Ampthill next season.

Va’enuku, who has been dubbed the Tongan tropudo, moved to the UK two years ago for a trial with Northampton Saints after being recommended to their defence coach, Lee Radford.

The ex-Sydney Rooster, who mainly operates at outside centre, is qualified to play for England and has scored nine tries in 32 appearances in the second tier, but is likely to get a chance in the top flight next season.

Ronan O’Gara is having a massive clear-out at La Rochelle, with at least eight players set to leave the club as they look to rebuild for next season.

Tight-head Joel Sclavi is moving to Leicester Tigers, the veteran former Wallaby lock Kane Douglas is on his way out to make room for Saracens star Theo McFarland, who we reported in December was on his way.

Fly-half Ihaia West, winger Suliasi Vunivalu, hokker Tolu Latu and Lock Ultan Dillane have all also been told that they are surplus to requirements.