In a fascinating twist of rugby transfers and coaching updates, the rugby landscape is set to witness significant changes ahead of the 2026/27 season. All Blacks hopeful Xavier Roe is making a move to Sale Sharks, Ulster Rugby is enhancing its coaching cadre with a seasoned ex-All Black, and French rugby star Thibaud Flament has resolved his professional future with Toulouse.
Xavier Roe, the dynamic scrum-half from the Chiefs, has inked a two-year deal with Sale Sharks, marking him as the 13th addition to their squad for the upcoming season. With 57 appearances for the Chiefs and participation in the All Blacks XV, Roe is poised to bring a wealth of experience to his new club. Despite not yet securing his first senior Test cap, his involvement in the All Blacks senior squad during last year’s Autumn Nations Series underscores his high-caliber potential.
"I’ve been at the Chiefs for a long time and I’m at a stage in my career where I want to try something new. I want to experience a new environment, new players and another country and I can’t wait to get started at an awesome club like Sale Sharks,"
Roe expressed enthusiastically.
Sale’s Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, also shared his excitement about Roe’s arrival:
"Xavier will bring real quality to the squad. His delivery is excellent and his ability to be the bridge between the forwards and backs is excellent, as is his kicking game and his decision-making. It’s a big move for him and a big commitment to come over, but we’re getting him at the peak of his powers and we’re really exciting to get him here to see what he can do."
In coaching developments, Ulster Rugby has announced Clarke Dermody as their new forwards coach starting next season. Dermody, a former All Black, joins from the Highlanders where he contributed to their 2015 Super Rugby title. Ulster's head coach Richie Murphy commented on the new appointment, highlighting the anticipation within the coaching team and their eagerness to see Dermody apply his coaching philosophy to the Ulster squad.
Meanwhile, in France, the towering lock Thibaud Flament has decided to continue his journey with Toulouse, signing a three-year extension. Since arriving from Wasps in 2020, Flament has been instrumental in Toulouse’s success, contributing to multiple Top 14 titles and Investec Champions Cups victories. His impressive performance has also cemented his place in the French national team, where he has earned 38 Test caps and contributed to three Six Nations titles.
The rugby world continues to evolve with these strategic moves and signings, promising an exciting upcoming season filled with fresh challenges and opportunities for these players and coaches.
Teams mentioned: Sale Sharks, Ulster Rugby, Toulouse.
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In a fascinating twist of rugby transfers and coaching updates, the rugby landscape is set to witness significant changes ahead of the 2026/27 season. All Blacks hopeful Xavier Roe is making a move to Sale Sharks, Ulster Rugby is enhancing its coaching cadre with a seasoned ex-All Black, and French rugby star Thibaud Flament has resolved his professional future with Toulouse.
Xavier Roe, the dynamic scrum-half from the Chiefs, has inked a two-year deal with Sale Sharks, marking him as the 13th addition to their squad for the upcoming season. With 57 appearances for the Chiefs and participation in the All Blacks XV, Roe is poised to bring a wealth of experience to his new club. Despite not yet securing his first senior Test cap, his involvement in the All Blacks senior squad during last year’s Autumn Nations Series underscores his high-caliber potential.
"I’ve been at the Chiefs for a long time and I’m at a stage in my career where I want to try something new. I want to experience a new environment, new players and another country and I can’t wait to get started at an awesome club like Sale Sharks,"
Roe expressed enthusiastically.Sale’s Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, also shared his excitement about Roe’s arrival:
"Xavier will bring real quality to the squad. His delivery is excellent and his ability to be the bridge between the forwards and backs is excellent, as is his kicking game and his decision-making. It’s a big move for him and a big commitment to come over, but we’re getting him at the peak of his powers and we’re really exciting to get him here to see what he can do."
In coaching developments, Ulster Rugby has announced Clarke Dermody as their new forwards coach starting next season. Dermody, a former All Black, joins from the Highlanders where he contributed to their 2015 Super Rugby title. Ulster's head coach Richie Murphy commented on the new appointment, highlighting the anticipation within the coaching team and their eagerness to see Dermody apply his coaching philosophy to the Ulster squad.
Meanwhile, in France, the towering lock Thibaud Flament has decided to continue his journey with Toulouse, signing a three-year extension. Since arriving from Wasps in 2020, Flament has been instrumental in Toulouse’s success, contributing to multiple Top 14 titles and Investec Champions Cups victories. His impressive performance has also cemented his place in the French national team, where he has earned 38 Test caps and contributed to three Six Nations titles.
The rugby world continues to evolve with these strategic moves and signings, promising an exciting upcoming season filled with fresh challenges and opportunities for these players and coaches.
Teams mentioned: Sale Sharks, Ulster Rugby, Toulouse.