Fin Smith transfer latest: England star could spark bidding war with huge offer on table
04/17/2025 01:34 PM
Northampton Saints are bracing themselves for a transfer storm as Fin Smith, one of English rugby's brightest young talents, enters the final 12 months of his deal.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The 22-year-old fly-half is quickly becoming the hottest name on the domestic market—and Saints could struggle to keep him.
The rise of Fin
Born in Warwick but boasting Scottish roots, Smith burst onto the international scene during this year's Six Nations, starting four of England's last five matches and nudging Marcus Smith out of the No.10 jersey. It was a breakthrough campaign that saw his stock skyrocket—alongside his value.
Still one of the lowest-paid?
Despite helping Saints lift the Premiership trophy in 2024 and being named in the Team of the Season, Smith remains one of the lowest-paid players in Steve Borthwick's England setup. He also scooped the RPA Players' Player of the Year award, but a new Saints deal still hasn't materialised.
Tigers lurking in the tall grass
According to RugbyPass, East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers are circling—and they're ready to pounce. With £600,000 reportedly available to spend, Neil Fissler claims Tigers are planning a bold swoop, while also eyeing a short-term deal for Gloucester and Wales veteran Gareth Anscombe.
Bath plotting bold Finn replacement
RUCK sources suggest Bath are also in the mix. With Finn Russell out of contract next year, they're exploring their options—and Smith is firmly on the radar. If Russell moves on, the Rec could come calling with a hefty offer of their own.
Money talks—and Saints are struggling
Northampton, who picked up Smith after Worcester Warriors folded, have been vocal in support of a reduced salary cap after posting a £1.7 million loss. CEO Julia Chapman says the club will post a smaller loss this year—but Saints are firmly behind slashing the £6.4m cap to stay sustainable.
Welford Road calling?
With big-money offers expected to flood in and Northampton tightening the purse strings, it's hard to see how Saints keep hold of their star playmaker. If nothing changes, don't be surprised if Smith is wearing green, white and red by this time next year.
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The British & Irish Lions tour is the pinnacle of rugby for players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—but for some big names, injury could spell disaster.
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Duhan van der Merwe – A Race Against Time
Scotland's record-breaking winger Duhan van der Merwe is facing a race against time to be fit for the British & Irish Lions tour – and things aren’t looking great.
The 29-year-old powerhouse, who has crossed the whitewash an incredible 32 times in just 49 Tests, picked up an ankle injury early in Edinburgh's recent United Rugby Championship win over the Dragons.
While the club has stayed coy about the full extent of the damage, they revealed on Tuesday night that Van der Merwe is "expected to return during May" following MRI scan results earlier in the week.
That timeline means the big man is almost certain to miss the rest of Edinburgh's run-in – somewhere between three and five matches depending on their European Challenge Cup fate – just as Lions boss Andy Farrell prepares to finalise his touring squad.
Having started all three Tests on the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa, Van der Merwe looked a near-certainty once upon a time. But with Ireland's deadly duo James Lowe and Mack Hansen, England flyer Tommy Freeman, and his Edinburgh teammate Darcy Graham all in electric form, his chances are slipping fast.
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