In our latest transfer update, we focus on a future Springboks centre signing a new deal while the Crusaders have hung onto an All Black and Michael Cheika’s future beyond Leicester.
Henco van Wyk re-signs
In recent seasons the Lions have struggled to hold onto their big stars and while Sanele Nohamba has departed the club, there is some cause for celebration in Johannesburg.
Powerhouse prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye rejected a lucrative offer from Toulouse to sign a new deal with the men in red while rising stars Bronson Mills and Kelly Mpeku have signed senior contracts for next season.
Captain and star loose forward Francke Horn also snubbed overseas interest to pen an extension until 2028 and while the future of Edwill van der Merwe – who has been linked with a move to the Sharks – is still uncertain, there was more good news on Monday.
That is the news that star centre Henco van Wyk has signed a deal to remain with the Lions until 2027.
Rumours have been swirling about the highly-rated midfielder’s future with his contract expiring at the end of the season but confirmed that he will be sticking around for at least another two seasons.
“Really excited for what lies ahead with the Lions,” Van Wyk said in a Lions’ statement.
“A massive thank you for the opportunity and belief in me to do what I love.”
Van Wyk has been a key figure in the Lions backline for several seasons but is yet to make the step up to international rugby despite catching the attention of the Springboks coaching staff.
Rassie Erasmus repeatedly mentioned his name last year with the Bok boss spreading a wide net across his player pool in 2024 but unfortunately, the Lions midfielder sustained untimely injuries that denied him an opportunity to make his Test debut.
With Italy and Georgia visiting South Africa in July, he could well earn a call-up for those fixtures.
Dallas McLeod re-signs
Meanwhile, the Crusaders have announced that one-cap All Blacks back Dallas McLeod has inked a contract extension until the end of 2026.
McLeod made his Test debut for the All Blacks ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, narrowly missing out on selection for the final tournament squad.
A versatile back, who can play in both centre positions and on the wing, he was regularly utilised by now-All Blacks boss Scott Robertson during his time in charge of the Super Rugby Pacific outfit.
However, he is yet to earn a recall to the Test set-up with Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown preferred by Robertson.
He did earn selection for the All Blacks XV last November scoring a try against Georgia while starting in the number 13 jumper.
Michael Chieka off to France?
Last month, Leicester Tigers revealed that head coach Michael Cheika would be departing the Premiership club at the end of the season to return to Australia.
With Joe Schmidt signing an extension to remain as the Wallabies head coach for the 2025 Rugby Championship, Cheika has been linked with a sensational return to the job. However, he may be tempted to return to France for a huge role in the Top 14.
Racing 92 announced the departure of ex-England and Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster with Patrice Collazo taking over in the interim to save the club from the threat of relegation.
According to a report by Midi Olympique, Cheika is one of the two leading candidates to fill the vacancy on a full-time basis from next season.
The Australian answered Leicester’s SOS following the abrupt departure of fellow countryman Dan McKellar but joined the Premiership team while his family moved from Paris back to Sydney. Cheika opted not to extend his contract with the Tigers in order to be closer to his family with a move back to Paris now seemingly a possibility.
However, Racing 92 are also interested in Karim Ghezal who has turned things around at Lyon this season after his departure from Stade Francais. Ghezal is highly-rated in France following his stint with the French national team but found things difficult on the pink side of Paris after the World Cup and departed the club before Lyon pounced to snap up his services.
It is also reported that Cheika is eyeing up an NRL job, if one becomes available upon his return to Australia.
