January is coming to an end, but the recent onrush of club transfers is showing no sign of slowing down, and once again, Newcastle Red Bulls are in the thick of the action.
Here are the signings and rumours that have developed over the last couple of days:
Will Butt to Devon
After making 69 senior appearances for since joining the academy aged 14, the Bath centre will join Exeter Chiefs on a three-year deal in the summer.
Butt said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Chiefs next season. They’re a team that have achieved a huge amount in the last 10 years and look to be building something special once again.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the group and contributing to the team in any way that I can.”
The former University of Bath star spent time on loan at CHAMP Rugby side Coventry in 2021 before earning his place in the Bath senior squad later that year. Since then, Butt has continued to develop a reputation for his dominance in the kick-chase battle and defensive prowess.
Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “We’re delighted to have signed Will on a long-term deal. He’s a guy who we’ve had an eye on for a long time and now, as we’re in a position of wanting to strengthen our centre depth, it’s perfect timing.
“He’s an experienced player who’s big and strong, got a great set of skills, including being a very good defender. We feel that he’s still got a lot of really good rugby to play having already played in a very successful Bath team for a number of years.
“We hope that coming in with us, he can be involved in a lot of big games in the future as we look to build a very competitive squad in the coming seasons.”
Thomas Gallo to Italy
The Argentine international has reportedly signed for Lyon in the Top 14, according to Le Progrès. The 25-year-old prop is set to leave Italian side Benetton after almost six years at the club for whom he signed his first professional contract at 21.
Having made the number one shirt his own over the past few years, Gallo has had to contend with promising Italian prop Marco Spagnolo for his spot in recent years, which has seen the 25-year-old reduced to more regular substitute appearances than in previous seasons.
A move to the Top 14 could see him financially rewarded as well as getting more gametime at club level and visibility for the international squad.
Zack Henry returns to the PREM
The former Leicester Tiger becomes yet another big name to join the exciting revolution of Newcastle Red Bulls, arriving on a one-year deal after a successful spell in France, which saw him play for Pau and Stade Francais.
Five years after his last stint in the PREM, the 31-year-old playmaker is looking forward to his summer move to Tyneside, saying: “I’m really looking forward to coming back.
“I have spent nine years of my professional career in France and my only time in the PREM was during Covid, so I’m excited about coming home and having the full experience.
“I’m also really excited by what Newcastle are building. I’ve had some inspiring conversations with the club and I can’t wait to be part of such an ambitious project.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time in France and am eternally grateful for how it’s shaped me, both on and off the field. Hopefully I can bring some of that experience to the Red Bulls next season.”
Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Zack is a very accomplished fly-half who knows his way round the field and has played at a high level for a number of years now.
“He has the attacking skill set to help get our back line firing, as well as a strong kicking game.
“He will get the best out of the players around him, and we look forward to seeing his positive contribution towards developing our evolving game plan.”
Uini Atonio’s confirmed heart attack
On Monday, it was confirmed that the giant French prop had been removed from the French squad and was taken into hospital with a suspected cardiac issue.
This was later confirmed to have been a heart attack, which has since forced the 68-cap international to retire at the age of 35.
His club, La Rochelle, released a statement, saying: “Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Center following a suspected heart problem. Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event.
“His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation. Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery. It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career.
“Uini holds a special place in the history and in the heart of our Club. This news deeply saddens us. The entire Club wishes to express its unwavering and total support to him and his family during this difficult time.”
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