Rugby transfers: England star decides on Leicester Tigers future, Wallabies flanker joins Clermont and Chiefs make double-signing
New Zealand-based franchise the Chiefs have confirmed two new player signings this week and an Australian international heads to France, while Jack van Poortvliet confirms his Leicester Tigers future.
Here’s the recent transfer news.
Jack van Poortvliet commits future to Leicester Tigers
Jack van Poortvliet has penned a new deal with Leicester Tigers.
The 25-year-old club vice-captain said: “I grew up supporting Leicester, it’s always been my club. This place feels like home in my rugby life. The club is in a really good position, I think we have a great group of lads and great coaches.”
“I love playing rugby here, I have my best mates here and I believe that we’ve got a group of lads that we can do great things with. I want to be in a place that I love playing for and I believe can win trophies.”
“It was a pretty easy decision to stay. I love it here and long may that continue.”
Van Poortvliet has made 118 appearances for Tigers since making his debut in 2019, and was a key part of the squad in 2021-22 that won the Gallagher PREM. He’s also won 27 caps for England and earned an ‘Elite Player Squad’ contract for 2026-27.
Head Coach Geoff Parling said: “Jack is a brilliant player, developed through our academy, and an important leader in our group.”
“He’s started the season really well, combining his smart kicking game with a sharp eye for space, and I’m excited to see where he can push his game to.”
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Clermont sign Wallabies international
Clermont have signed Australian international flanker Rob Leota. A free agent since leaving Bayonne, the powerful Australian ball carrier is a significant boost for the Auvergne side while they await the return of several injured players. The 29-year-old has committed until January 31, 2027.
Clermont coach Christophe Urios said: “It’s always difficult to find an additional player at this time of year.
“He must meet several criteria: first, he must fit what we’re looking for, which is a powerful ball carrier; second, he must be able to contribute quickly; and finally, he must show us a desire to join the project. With the added bonus of international and Top 14 experience and a strong desire to prove himself on the field.”
The 21-cap Wallabies flanker reportedly met all the criteria.
Chiefs double signing
The Gallagher Chiefs have added two big names to their squad this season, with prop Dan Lienert-Brown arriving from the Highlanders to add some real power to the scrum, while Tevita Mafileo joins him on the opposite side of the front row at loosehead, joining from the Hurricanes.
Lienert-Brown is the older brother of All Blacks international Anton, and although he’s never achieved full international recognition himself, the 33-year-old’s career has still been impressive, having made over 100 Super Rugby appearances.
At 28, Mafileo has yet to reach 100 Super Rugby appearances, but has racked up a whole host of numbers in the NPC, and was a regular off the bench for the Hurricanes in recent years.
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