Freeman signs Northampton extension to snub Toulouse and protect England career

Tommy Freeman has committed his future to Northampton Saints, signing a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Franklin’s Gardens until the summer of 2028 and preserve his England international career.

Toulouse had been preparing a substantial offer for the 22-try, 25-game winger-centre, but any move to the Top 14 giants would have ended Freeman’s prospects of representing England. Saints, who face a Gallagher Premiership Final in the coming weeks, have now secured one of their most productive attacking players ahead of what promises to be a pivotal summer.

Dan du Plessis leaves Stormers for Bordeaux-Bègles

Stormers inside centre Dan du Plessis has signed with back-to-back Champions Cup winners Bordeaux-Bègles, departing Cape Town after nearly a century of appearances for the South African franchise. The 31-year-old, who also operates at outside centre, carries considerable rugby pedigree as the son of former Springbok centre Michael du Plessis, nephew of wing Carel du Plessis, and cousin of Springbok centre Willie du Plessis.

Bordeaux have moved aggressively in the South African market in recent weeks, also securing lock Robbie Combrinck from Niort RC, Wales-qualified fly-half Owen Erasmus from Western Province, and lock Diaan Augustyn from Oakdale Landbou.

Perese set for Western Force move after Leicester exit

Leicester Tigers outside centre Izaia Perese is in advanced talks with Western Force following the end of his time at Welford Road. The 29-year-old scored five tries in 16 appearances for Geoff Parling’s side this season before their Gallagher Premiership semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints. A move to the Force would also put Perese in contention for a Wallabies recall — his first in three years — having previously earned six caps with the NSW Waratahs.

Western Force have been active in reshaping their backline after losing utility back Bayley Kuenzle to URC semi-finalists Glasgow Warriors.

Galthie defends Edwards axing

France head coach Fabien Galthie has spoken publicly for the first time about the removal of defence coach Shaun Edwards, who helped guide Les Bleus to a third Six Nations title earlier this year. French media reported that Galthie had grown concerned about the number of tries his side conceded, prompting the decision to bring in Gerald Bastide — previously with the French women’s team — as Edwards’ replacement.

“I made the decision to modify the organisation that has been in place for six or seven years now,” Galthie said. “He brought us his knowledge of the highest level, he brought us his expertise, he brought us his motivation, he brought us his loyalty and his commitment.”

Bristol Bears seek English-qualified lock

Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam has begun searching for an English-qualified lock ahead of next season, with James Dun departing for Harlequins and Steele Barker moving to Cornish Pirates leaving a gap in the Bears’ engine room.