3 Theo McFarland

Athleticism and versatility have made Theo McFarland one of the most coveted forwards approaching contract expiry. After initially arriving on a short-term deal, he rapidly became indispensable, splitting his time between lock and blindside flanker while delivering consistent try-scoring output.

A long-term extension followed, tying him to his club until 2026, but interest from France has continued to grow. His momentum was briefly halted by a serious knee injury, though his early-season form during a title-winning campaign underlined his ceiling.

Standing well over two metres tall with the pace of a back, McFarland offers a rare profile that suits modern European rugby’s emphasis on mobility and power in the tight five.

2 Grant Williams

Electric pace and instinctive support running have turned Grant Williams into one of the most dangerous scrum-halves in the southern hemisphere.

His rise was anything but straightforward, grafting his way into professional rugby before becoming a key attacking weapon. With 75 appearances and 37 tries at club level, his strike rate is exceptional for a No.9, while his Test record includes double-digit tries and major tournament success.

His contract runs until mid-2026, but overseas interest is accelerating, with Japan and France emerging as realistic options. Current selection policies mean an international career would remain unaffected, adding further incentive as he weighs financial security against loyalty to his long-time club.

1 Adam Hastings

Consistency and control have defined Adam Hastings’ recent form, making his contractual situation one of the most significant to track. A regular starter throughout the season, he has combined accurate goal-kicking with calm game management, accumulating points and minutes with equal reliability.

Reports from France suggest a deal has already been agreed for a move abroad, despite him technically remaining out of contract. With 36 international caps and experience across multiple leagues, Hastings represents a polished fly-half entering his prime years.

His departure would leave a notable void, particularly given his importance within structured attacking systems and his ability to steer matches under pressure.

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