The rugby world sees yet another shuffle of talent as players switch clubs and countries ahead of the new season. Among notable movements, Gareth Anscombe finds his way back to Wales, Tamati Tua sets off for Japan, and Herschel Jantjies might soon part ways with his French club.
Gareth Anscombe is set to join Scarlets, marking his return to the Welsh rugby scene after a stint with Bayonne. This URC season will see Anscombe play for his third Welsh region since leaving the Ospreys in 2023. A stalwart with 42 Test caps, Anscombe's experience includes valuable time at Chiefs, Cardiff, and Gloucester, highlighted by a 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam win with Wales.
“I’m genuinely excited to be joining the Scarlets at what I believe is an exciting time for the club. I still have a huge desire to compete and to contribute on the field and help the team win matches. Competition brings the best out of players and that’s exactly what I want.”
Nigel Davies, the director of rugby at Scarlets, expressed his confidence in Anscombe's ability to uplift the team’s dynamics.
“Every recruitment decision starts with one simple question – does this make us better? And we believe Gareth unquestionably does. Having someone of Gareth’s calibre working alongside Sam, Carwyn, Elis and the rest of our squad every day will accelerate learning and raise standards throughout the programme.”
Meanwhile, former Blues and Brumbies player, and junior All Black, Tamati Tua, embarks on a new chapter in Japan with League One team Black Rams, following his release from Exeter Chiefs. Tua’s career at Sandy Park was marked by 19 appearances and two tries, although a ruptured Achilles sidelined him for the 2025/26 season.
Moving over to France, Springboks World Cup winner Herschel Jantjies is reportedly on the verge of exiting Top 14 club Bayonne, following a single season. The quick-footed scrum-half made a significant impact with 20 appearances after his 2025/26 move. Jantjies, originally a Stormer with 98 caps for the Cape Town side, briefly played on loan with Scarlets. French reports suggest a potential replacement in Nice player Guillaume Rouet, while Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus shows interest in bringing Jantjies back to a South African URC team.
This transfer season not only reshuffles players but also rekindles excitement and speculation among fans and teams alike. With these moves, clubs are strategically positioning themselves ahead of upcoming competitions, hoping the new additions forge paths to victory and success in their respective leagues.
