Dozens of players in search of a contract

A SQUAD’S worth of Premiership players are still without a contract with just three weeks to go before the start of the 2024/25 season.

- JON NEWCOMBE

Employment opportunities in English rugby’s top flight have continued to narrow with the effects of Worcester, Wasps and London Irish going bust still being felt and compounded by a reduction in squad sizes.

The Rugby Players’ Association say that 185 players left Premiership clubs at the end of the last campaign, 70 of whom had no contract to go to, which is slightly down on last year’s record of 80. Just over half that total (37) have still to fix themselves up with a new deal, including high-profile figures such as former France international Virimi Vakatawa.

Some will be considering their futures in the professional game, while others will be hoping a space becomes available at one of the 10 clubs or further afield.