It’s been a busy day in the transfer market of rugby with contract renewals and moves on the go. Api Ratuniyarawa and Jack Maunder are amongst the names. Robert Rees brings you up to speed with all of Friday’s transfer news.
Api Ratuniyarawa pens fresh Saints deal
The Fijian lock has penned a new deal with Northampton Saints. The ball carrier, expert at getting over the gain line, and a deft offloader too, Ratuniyarawa has proved himself a threat all over the park for Saints.
The 33-year-old second row has scored five tries in 79 appearances to date in Black, Green and Gold since his arrival from French side Agen in 2016, winning the Club’s ‘Breakthrough Player of the Season’ award during the 2017/18 season, and even named his son ‘Franklin’ after his birth in 2019.
“It’s an honour for me to sign on again for such a great Club,” he said. “Northampton really feels like home for my family and I now, and it has been a great four years so we’re delighted to be staying here.
“The Club has really developed since I arrived, especially within the squad with many young guys coming through. The coaches are doing a great job and we have a good balance within the squad, so I’m really excited to stay on to be a part of this.”
Head coach Chris Boyd adding;
“He works hard, he’s heavy and he’s a great ball carrier, so he offers a lot to us and gives a good balance to our loose forwards. He’s a good man with really good core skills, so we’re very pleased to retain him.”
Jack Maunder commits to the Chiefs
Exeter Chiefs scrum half Jack Maunder has committed his future to the club.
the 22-year-old said;
“Obviously, I’m very happy. It’s a club that myself and my family have had a big association with for a number of years. For a player like myself, the club ticks every box. It has great coaching staff, a great squad, the culture is amazing and for me, Exeter is home.
“Knowing that my future is with the Chiefs makes things so much easier. Coming in every day you know what you are going to get. I love being around the lads, it’s been a fun few years for me and, hopefully, we can continue to keep pushing forward.”
Thrust into the first-team fray back in October 2016 in a European Champions Cup encounter against Clermont-Auvergne at Sandy Park, Maunder hasn’t looked back since that day, establishing himself firmly within the first-team mix at the Chiefs.
His 67 appearances and six tries underline his worth to the cause and he’s looking to being part of an exciting future for the Chiefs.
Cory Hill on the move
Wales lock Cory Hill has left the Dragons, with a move to the Cardiff Blues on the cards according to reports.
Hill made 110 appearances for the Dragons, scoring 13 times.
In a statement the Dragons said;
“The Dragons confirm Cory Hill will be leaving the region at the expiration of his current contract after seven seasons at Rodney Parade. Dragons would like to thank Cory for his contribution in the roles he played as captain and as a player in helping the development of the team on and off the field.
“Dragons have asked the relevant bodies to look into the circumstances around the move.”
Commenting on the departure of Hill, Director of Dragons Rugby, Dean Ryan, said, “We’re disappointed to see Cory depart and everyone at Dragons Rugby wishes Cory well for the future.”
“Main photo credit”
