Ludlam extends Toulon stay as Lozowski admits 'bewildering' Saracens exit

Lewis Ludlam has signed a two-year extension with Toulon, keeping the former Northampton Saints and England flanker on the Côte d’Azur until the summer of 2029 and ending speculation about a return to the Gallagher Premiership. The 30-year-old, in the third year of his current deal, has become a fan favourite at the French club and joins fellow England international Kyle Sinckler in committing his future to Toulon through the 2028-29 campaign.

Sale Sharks centre Alex Lozowski, meanwhile, has spoken candidly about his exit from Saracens last summer, admitting the circumstances left him confused. “It was bewildering and peculiar to me,” said the 33-year-old, who struggled for game time in the second half of last season before agreeing to move to the North West. Lozowski, capped five times by England, returns to North London this weekend for the first time since leaving the club.

Elsewhere, Saracens are looking to extend the contract of Wales loosehead Rhys Carré beyond the end of the current season. The 28-year-old, who returned to the club two years ago after a spell with Cardiff, signed a new deal in March, but talks are now underway about a longer stay. Carré is closing in on his 50th appearance for the club, and Wales head coach Steve Tandy has selected him 11 times, effectively ending suggestions he might switch international allegiance to Ireland.

Christ Tshiunza is being lined up for a move to a Welsh region next season as he bids to accumulate the caps needed to qualify under the 25-cap rule ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The Sale Sharks back rower left Exeter Chiefs in the summer and is ten caps short of the threshold. Cardiff, the Ospreys, Dragons and the Scarlets have all been alerted to his availability.

In Super Rugby, Bulls lock Reinhardt Ludwig is attracting interest from Japan Rugby League One clubs despite being contracted at Loftus Versfeld until 2028. The 24-year-old, a Junior World Cup winner, has forced his way back into Johan Ackermann’s plans following Ruan Nortje’s departure and started the new season strongly, scoring two tries and winning ten lineouts against Zebre.