Round one of the 2024/25 BKT United Rugby Championship is nearing ever closer with kick-off at 19.35 on Friday evening.
Entering its fourth season in the current format, the league has already crowned three different champions from three different countries in what was a real display of how competitive the competition has already become.
As ever this offseason saw a raft of players moving clubs as teams continued their ever present desire to find that perfect balance of personnel.
Ahead of round one’s kick-off here are the top ten signings of this offseason.
10. Louis Lynagh | Harlequins -> Benetton
Son of Wallaby legend Michael Lynagh, Louis’s return to the country of his birth has already seen him link up with the national team, making his debut during the Six Nations. Claiming chief status as Benetton’s marquee signing this offseason alongside fellow newly capped Italian international Matt Gallagher. The 23-year-old will join a stacked Benetton backline that includes internationals such as Thomas Albornoz, Malakai Fekitoa, Tommaso Menoncello, Ignacio Brex, Ignacio Mendy and Paolo Odogwu. In other words, Benetton will be a must-see TV this season.
9. Thakkir Abrahams | Lyon -> Munster
Cheslin 2.0…. Right, let’s not get carried away! Ah, screw it! (Apologies for the inner monologue) Coming to a shuddering halt last season, Munster Rugby’s lack of cutting edge at the business end of the 2024/25 season. Two key areas of weakness were brutally exposed: the Munster backline looked shorn of speed and cutting edge, whilst the other was an inability to impose themselves upfront physically. Solving one of these issues in a major way, Munster went to work in the back three with the signing of the uber-exciting former Sharks and Lyon winger. Built-in a similar mould to current Springbok flyers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe whilst wearing a scrum cap, Abrahams has naturally garnered comparisons to the duo. Munster will certainly hope he can bring some of this electricity to a backline that has also seen highly touted Connacht winger Diarmuid Kilgallen enter its ranks for this season.
8. Callum Sheedy | Bristol -> Cardiff
Crossing The Severn Bridge on a gilded steed, the 28-year-old is looking to reignite his international career with a strong season in the Welsh capital. Overall, Cardiff is somewhat of an unknown prospect entering this season, with several clever signings bolstering their squad. In addition to Sheedy, former Leinster prop Ed Byrne and Welsh-eligible loosehead Danny Southworth bring valuable depth to a squad that has a solid match-day 23. Making the last of his international appearances in the 2022 Six Nations, Sheedy could find himself thrust back into Warren Gatland’s plans, given the uncertainty in the position since the World Cup.
7. Josh Ioane | Chiefs -> Connacht
Arguably the biggest coup of the offseason, Connacht’s signing of the All Blacks flyhalf caught many by surprise when it was first announced. A proven operator who fits superbly into Connacht’s desire to play an attractive attacking brand, Ioane feels like the missing piece for a side that should be play-off contenders. His presence will also likely bring out the best in former captain Jack Carty, who, when on song, is a highly efficient operator in his own right.
6. Adam Hastings | Gloucester -> Glasgow Warriors
The prodigal son returns! Coming back for another go around with the Warriors; Hastings upgrades arguably the biggest area of concern for the URC champions this season. Competing with New Zealander Tom Jordan and former teammate Duncan Weir, Hastings brings genuine international quality to the position for Franco Smith’s squad. Capable of operating a fast-paced attacking game plan as well as being able to trudge it out in grim conditions, Hastings should be able to force his way to the top of the pecking order. Still just 27-years-old, Hastings will have a season-long shootout with Ben Healy for the right to back up Finn Russell for the national team.
5. Andre Esterhuizen | Harlequins -> Hollywoodbets Sharks
Shock! Horror! Another top-class Springbok has joined the Hollywoodbets Sharks! Returning home following four years in London, the powerhouse centre is another key chess piece for arguably the most disappointing team in last season’s URC. In a world where there are deafening cries about Leinster’s budget and inability to win when it matters, the Sharks should be under equal scrutiny this year. Putting out a damn near full Springbok squad, the men in black are a scary prospect who, for all money, should be title contenders this season.
4. Steven Kitshoff | Ulster -> DHL Stormers
Returning to Cape Town following a disappointing season in Belfast with Ulster, the former Stormers captain will bring a level of calm that was absent a season ago. Linking up with long-term teammate Frans Malherbe in the front row, the pair will be joined by either Joseph Dweba or Andre-Hugo Venter to form an all-Springbok front row. Behind this dynamic crew, the Stormers are blessed with talent in every position and, following a down year by their high standards, should re-enter the title contenders conversation this season.
3. RG Snyman | Munster -> Leinster
Game keeper turned poacher, this is how Munster fans may now describe RG Snyman. Following four injury-plagued seasons in Limerick, the giant lock has departed for archrivals Leinster, having played more test matches for the Springboks than matches for his club. In his defence, his hand was forced by Irish Rugby’s foreign player policy, yet this will be scant consolation for the men in red should he hit he help their rivals to a first title since 2021.
2. Jordie Barrett | Hurricanes -> Leinster
Implementing a clause in his contract to take a sabbatical from New Zealand Rugby, the All Black star damn near broke the internet when it was announced that he would be linking up with the men in blue for the second half of the season. Linking up with Snyman as a short-term gun for hire, Barrett will have an intriguing role in a stacked Leinster backline. Given that Leo Cullen’s side is blessed with international talent in both the centre and fullback positions, the prospect of Barrett being a super-sub is a terrifying thought indeed.
1. Siya Kolisi | Racing 92 -> Hollywoodbets Sharks
The face of rugby in 2024, the back-to-back World Cup winning captain’s return to the Sharks following a tumultuous season with Racing 92 in the Top 14 is a major coup for the Durban based side. Not only will he provide key leadership to the squad but he will add some much needed grunt to a dynamic and free roaming back row. Now entering the twilight of his career, the Bok skipper could well be extending his playing years with the player management set-up within South African Rugby.
Honourable mentions: Aidan Morgan (Ulster), Werner Kok (Ulster), Mat Gallagher (Benetton), Dave Ewers (DHL Stormers), Trevor Nyakane (Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Sharks), Jason Jenkins (Sharks), Ruan Dreyer (Sharks), Alec Hepburn (Scarlets), Phil Cokanasiga (Ospreys), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Billy Burns (Munster), Diarmuid Kilgallen (Munster), Tom Farrell (Munster), Rabah Slimani (Leinster), Rory Sutherland (Glasgow), Patrick Schickerling (Glasgow), Mosese Tuipulotu (Edinburgh), Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), Piers O’Conor (Connacht), Ed Byrne (Cardiff), Boeta Chamberlain (Bulls), Aphiwe Dyanti (Bulls)
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