For hire: Free agents XV includes some of the biggest names in rugby

The start of July marks the date when players who have been released by their clubs officially become available to hire, unless, of course, they have found another employer.

RugbyPass has selected a team of free agents (with the help of all.rugby) from around the world that we think are bargains waiting to be picked up ahead of the 2026-2007.

15 – Rich Lane
The surprise name on the list of players not being retained by Bristol Bears, but he has suffered from recurring hamstring injuries over the course of last season. Lane was one of the Gallagher Prem’s top attacking players in the 2024/25 campaign, and overall, he scored 12 tries in 69 appearances after arriving from Bedford Blues, initially on loan, in February 2022.

14 – Regan Grace
The cross-code star suffered a third Achilles rupture in four years when training with Sale Sharks before a Prem Cup game in January. He will be returning to Sale for pre-season training after reconsidering his retirement plans. A bargain waiting to be had if he can overcome his injury problems.

13 – Sam Spink
Tipped to fix England’s problems at outside centre after returning home from the Western Force, where he made an immediate impact in Super Rugby, being named Players’ Player of the Year in his debut season. Troubled by niggling injuries throughout his career, a mooted move to Leicester Tigers failed to materialise.

12 – Ma’a Nonu
Rugby’s answer to Pater Pan was still bulldozing defenders at the highest level before celebrating his 44th birthday in May. No announcement about any potential retirement has been made, so it could be assumed that he is open to offers to play on for at least another season.

11- James Lowe
Leinster’s decision to release him was one of the most baffling of the season, and it’s why he edges out Elliott Obatoyinbo for a place on this list. He has been heavily linked with a move to Japan, but nothing has been confirmed, and Andy Farrell is still keen to have him in his 2027 World Cup squad.

10 – James O’Connor
Despite being released by Leicester Tigers and turning 36 last week, there was an offer to join the Sharks. Now a free agent, it’s likely he will return home, where he has spoken to the Queensland Reds and the NSW Waratahs, but no deal has yet been agreed.

9- Richard Judd
A player with plenty of experience around the world, in his native New Zealand, America, and Japan, including helping Vannes win promotion back to the Top 14 this season. Makes this list due to a lack of options in the scrum-half position, but certainly has the ability to do a job for a club in need.

1 – Jordan Els
One of 13 players released by Quins at the end of last month, but is now fully fit after an Achilles tendon injury. A player who can provide good depth to front row resources and has worked hard on his all-round game over the last couple of seasons.

2- Shilo Klein
The American former New Zealand U20 international is a free agent after leaving URC outfit Zebre. He has played in the NPC and MLR and last weekend came off the bench in the USA’s 30-29 Nations Cup win over Portugal. Other freebies in the position include Bryn Gordon, Marco Manfredi and James Benjamin.

3 – WillGriff John
Just over 12 months ago, John started three games for Wales in the Six Nations but was released by Sale Sharks after making only seven appearances last season. The emergence of Asher Opoku-Fordjour as a force probably sealed his fate, but he is a player with something to offer.

4 – Sam Skinner
A powerful and versatile operator across the engine room and back row, who was a two-time Premiership champion and European Champions Cup winner with his hometown club Exeter Chiefs. At 31, he still has something to offer if the body is willing.

5 – JP du Preez
A massive presence at 6’10 tall, the 31-year-old is a free agent after leaving Japanese club Red Hurricanes. His CV has been doing the rounds, but so far there have been no takers for his services, with clubs probably put off by his injury problems over the last few seasons.

6 -Josh Basham
The former England U20 international has loads of PREM experience, including spells at Gloucester, who released him at the end of his contract, Newcastle Falcons, twice at London Irish, and Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks. He is still only 27, so has time on his side and can play anywhere across the back row.

7 – Charlie Gamble
The New Zealander is a cult hero at the NSW Waratahs and put in two man-of-the-match performances against the Lions last summer. Although officially a free agent, it is likely he will secure a move to Japan, but nothing has been officially announced.

8 – Amanaki Mafi
A powerful wrecking ball in attack with decent offloading skills is another who’s been let go by big-spending Newcastle Red Bulls at the end of last season, despite having a good campaign. RugbyPass understands he is keen to continue playing and hopes it isn’t long before someone snaps him up.