Lions seal JP du Preez return as Stormers chase De Allende and Petaia heads to Japan

The Lions have agreed a deal to re-sign lock JP du Preez, bringing the 6ft 10in forward back to Johannesburg after stints with the Cheetahs, Sale Sharks, Glasgow Warriors and Japan’s Red Hurricanes. His return fills the void left by Darrien Landsberg, who is set to join Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership next season.

Du Preez began his professional career with the Lions before embarking on a well-travelled path through European and Japanese rugby, and his signing represents a full-circle moment for both player and club. According to Rapport, the Lions are also closing in on former Springbok back-rower Sikhumbuzo Notshe, one of 19 players departing Montauban following their relegation from the Top 14 last season.

In Cape Town, Stormers head coach John Dobson is locked in talks with Springbok inside centre Damian de Allende over a potential return once his contract with Saitama Wild Knights expires in 12 months. De Allende, 34, started his career with the Stormers before moving to Munster and then Japan, where he has scored 19 tries in 60 appearances over four seasons. Dobson is keen to bring him in as a replacement for Dan du Plessis, who is departing for Bordeaux in the Top 14.

Former Wallaby winger Jordan Petaia is on the move again, leaving Top 14 side Perpignan for Japan’s Urayasu D-Rocks. The 26-year-old had an eventful 2024-25 campaign: he departed Queensland Reds in December 2024 to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme, spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers before being released, and then joined Perpignan, where he made 13 appearances and scored one try, including featuring in their Top 14 access match win over Provence. Urayasu have confirmed his signing alongside Hurricanes and All Blacks XV back-row Devan Flanders.

France coach Fabián Galthie was spotted watching the State of Origin decider between Queensland and New South Wales at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, where the Blues ran out 30-12 winners. La Rochelle scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec was also among the crowd cheering on New South Wales. Galthie’s France side had been beaten 21-20 at the same ground in the Nations Championship. The visit comes as Galthie navigates a coaching reshuffle, with rugby league legend Shaun Edwards recently confirmed as departing the French set-up, freeing him to take a new role from September.

Elsewhere, former Exeter Chiefs back-row Jannes Kirsten is returning to Europe, signing for Pro D2 side Mont-de-Marsan from the Bulls. The move has raised eyebrows given Mont-de-Marsan finished 15th out of 16 last season and subsequently released 29 players in a sweeping squad overhaul. Kirsten had been at the Bulls since leaving Sandy Park two years ago.