In 2024, many transfers have been formalized, some of them particularly. Whether in the Top 14 or internationally, here are the biggest transfers of the year.
Le Garrec: from Racing 92 to La Rochelle
This is certainly the most significant transfer announcement of the year. Nolann Le Garrec, a French international with immense talent, will leave Racing 92 this summer. The scrum half, who clearly changed dimensions last season, decided to join Stade Rochelais. A strong choice, which is inevitably a huge blow for Racing 92, for whom Le Garrec is a central element. By signing for La Rochelle and in addition to his sporting ambitions, the original Breton will be able to move closer to Vannes, where his entire family still resides.
Owen Farrell: from Saracens to Racing 92
Hated in France, Owen Farrell had spent his entire professional career with Saracens before this summer. But that, this was before he joined Racing 92. The “bad boy” of English Rugby, well known for his strong character, surprisingly signed up with the Ile-de-France club, in a transfer which definitively confirmed the exodus of English talent. By making this choice, Farrell gave up on the XV de la Rose, of which he had been the face for so many years. He was not the only English international to join France, since the powerful Manu Tuilagi is also playing in the Top 14 this season, with Bayonne. The performance of the center on the field is for the moment much better than that of the opener
Teddy Thomas: from La Rochelle to Toulouse
This season, Teddy Thomas seems to be more fulfilled than ever in La Rochelle. Despite its repositioning in the center, the arrow put together great performances and tests. However, he will leave the maritime club next season. Thomas has given his agreement to Stade Toulouse for the next three yearsto the great misfortune of the Rochelais. In making this choice, the former racing driver imitated his teammate Georges-Henri Colombe, who is also making the trip to Toulouse.
Davit Niniashvili: from Lyon to La Rochelle
Clearly, La Rochelle is in all the big transfers of the year! The Rochelais lost big, but they are also preparing to have strong support. In addition to Le Garrec, Davit Niniashvili signed for Charente-Maritime. The young Georgian is a phenomenon that never ceases to impress in Lyon. It was obviously coveted and it was Stade Rochelais which hit the jackpot. With him and Le Garrec, La Rochelle can see its future with peace of mind
Courtney Lawes: from Northampton to Brive
Mentioned above with Farrell and Tuilagi, The flight of England internationals to France is a real problem in the Premiership. Players of Courtney Lawes' caliber even make choices few would have predicted. The second or third row left Northampton, champion of England to play with Brive, in Pro D2. A significant decision, which is paying off for the moment since Lawes is performing well and Brive is in second place in the elite antechamber. Jonny May also joined Pro D2, signing for Soyaux-Angoulême, while George North joined Provence Rugby.
Jordie Barrett: From Hurricanes to Leinster
Few foreigners play in Leinster. Even more so now that a quota is directly imposed on the Irish provinces, it is difficult for those not eligible for the Clover XV to play with the guys from Dublin. Yet this is the choice that Jordie Barrett made. The versatile three-quarterback of the All Blacks signed for Leinster, alongside Rabah Slimani and RJ Snyman. Enough to make this Irish team even more impressive. Barrett also made a successful debut under his new colors, notably with tries against Bristol and Clermont in the Champions Cup.
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