Newcastle set to raid Top 14 strugglers Perpignan for next signing

Following today’s confirmation of Sam Graham’s move to Newcastle on a two-year deal, which was exclusively revealed by RugbyPass last week, we can reveal that the Red Bulls’ massive rebuilding programme is set to continue apace, with Maori All Blacks star Max Hicks next on their wish-list.

The 26-year-old, who can play anywhere in the back row, has been one of Perpignan’s standout performers since joining them from the Highlanders in 2024, making 29 appearances for the club. Standing 1.99m tall (6’6), the former Tasman player can also play lock.

Hicks missed last weekend’s Challenge Cup defeat to Newcastle, when the Red Bulls claimed a place in the Round of 16, but has caught the eye previously, especially for his work at the ruck and in the lineout.

Hicks joins fly-half Hugo Reus, who is going to Bordeaux, and Stade Francais-bound Fijian centre Alivereti Duguivalu, in leaving the Catalan club.

It is understood that Newcastle will release the likes of Stefan Coetzee, Harrison Obatoyinbo, Sam Waugh, Hame Faiva, Liam Williams and Amanaki Mafi once their one-year deals end, to free up room for even more new recruits.

The North-East club have already announced Hoskins Sotutu, Franco Molina, Elliot Millar-Mills, Josh Hodge, Rusi Tuima, and now Northampton back-rower Graham, will be joining them in the summer.

The Red Bulls are also bringing in Raffi Quirke from Sale Sharks, while Will Rigg is expected to become the third signing from Exeter Chiefs, along with Gloucester lock Cam Jordan.

They also have another Saints player, full-back James Pater, Exeter Chiefs fly-half Will Haydon Wood, Harlequins and Scotland hooker George Turner and Maori All Blacks loosehead Pouri Rakete-Stones, plus others, on their shopping list.