France’s Shaun Edwards replacement plan falls through – rugby transfer latest

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The latest rugby transfer rumours and stories from Wales and beyond

Here are the latest rugby transfer rumours and stories from Wales and beyond…

1. Wales international signs deal: Wales centre Tyler Morgan has signed a new deal with French club Nissa following their promotion to Pro D2. The five-cap Morgan – who featured for Wales in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final – played a crucial part in the French Riviera outfit’s promotion to the second tier, scoring the winning try in their access match win over Stade Montois. Morgan has signed a new deal to remain in Nice until 2028. Another former Wales international, Owen Williams, is signed up to the club until next summer.
2. Edwards replacement falls through: Staying in France, Fabien Galthie’s plans to replace Shaun Edwards were dealt a blow earlier this week according to reports. Geoffrey Doumayrou was the initial favourite, but Midi Olympique report that a deal for the Montpellier defence coach is now off the cards. Gerald Bastilde will look after France’s defence in the short-term while Edwards’ exit is sorted out, but a deal for Doumayrou has fallen apart after it emerged the 36-year-old did not yet hold the mandatory coaching qualifications for international rugby. Bordeaux defence coach Christophe Laussucq could be an option – with his future at the two-time European champions reportedly uncertain.
3. New Zealander set to pull out: Newcastle Red Bulls might struggle to hold Super Rugby top-scorer Fehi Fineanganofo to his contract – with the Hurricanes star seemly intent on not moving to England after earning his first All Black call-up this week. However, the ambitious Gallagher Prem club have at least found some solid cover, signing South African winger Werner Kok after his release from Ulster.
4. Italy star to move: Italy fly-half Paolo Garbisi is closing in on a move to Perpignan, according to reports in France. The 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Toulon following the signing of Argentina’s Tomas Albornoz. While Garbisi initially believed to be keen on staying at the Stade Mayol, reports suggest he’s now open to a move.
5. New attack coach at Quins: Harlequins have confirmed their new attack coach, with Hurricanes coach Brad Cooper heading to London after masterminding the Wellington side’s Super Rugby triumph. He replaces Nick Evans as part of a new-look coaching team at the Stoop – with Robbie Deans, Rob Hunter and Jordan Turner-Hall also joining. Former England centre Turner-Hall will look after the defence – with ex-Wales international Scott Baldwin believed to have come close during the hiring process.
6. Springbok leaves Sharks: Springboks full-back Aphelele Fassi has become the latest South Africa star to leave the Sharks. The 28-year-old joins Siya Kolisi, Marvin Orie and Grant Williams in leaving. However, his exit is only a temporary one. As part of a new deal with the URC side, he is able to take up a year elsewhere before returning to Durban – with Fassi set to head to Japan for a season.
7. Scarlets new signings to arrive: The Scarlets report to pre-season on Monday – with a number of their new signings set to be present in Llanelli. All Black Cullen Grace won’t join up with the squad until the autumn once his NPC duties with Canterbury are done. But the likes of Alex Groves, Harvey Cuckson, John McKee, George Roberts, Isaac Murray-Macgregor and Corey Domachowski will be getting their feet under the table in the coming days.

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