Exeter Rugby Club has secured the signing of South African lock Andre Goedhals from Currie Cup side Airlink Pumas, accelerating his move following permission from the Pumas to join earlier than originally planned. The 22-year-old, who was born in England, had previously agreed to a three-year contract with Exeter. Goedhals expressed enthusiasm about the transfer, highlighting the club’s well-established history and competitive ambitions as key factors in his decision.
Meanwhile, Christian Wade, the Newcastle Falcons winger, is poised to make Premiership Rugby history by potentially surpassing Chris Ashton’s record of 101 league tries. Wade, 35, currently stands just one try shy of the all-time mark and could set a new benchmark in Newcastle’s upcoming fixture against Sale.
Wade’s career has been marked by notable achievements and setbacks. He initially broke into the rugby scene with Wasps in 2011 and earned his sole England cap in a 2013 tour match against Argentina. However, a foot injury that required surgery and subsequent team selections under head coach Stuart Lancaster curtailed his international prospects. Wade was notably omitted from England’s 50-man training squad ahead of the 2015 World Cup, signaling an end to his national team ambitions despite his continued scoring prowess at club level. Wade reflected on his exclusion, stating that it prompted him to shift focus entirely to his club career and personal performance.
In 2018, Wade made an unconventional career move by signing with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, stepping away from professional rugby union. He returned to rugby in 2022, playing for Racing 92, Gloucester, then briefly joining Wigan Warriors in rugby league before his current tenure with Newcastle Falcons. Wade indicated that returning to Premiership Rugby rekindled his motivation to pursue the try-scoring record, though it was not a primary consideration upon his comeback.
With his Newcastle contract set to expire next summer, Wade sees the approaching milestone as both a personal goal and a means to secure a contract extension. He remarked on the physical demands of the NFL and his intent to continue playing rugby as long as he maintains the necessary form and fitness.
In other Premiership Rugby news, the Sharks will field the Curry twins, Ben and Tom, together in the back row for the first time since June 2025. Gloucester, leading the table, will host Bath at Kingsholm without injured players Dewi Lake and Seb Atkinson.