Given the domestic rugby season is almost at a close, it's only appropriate the rumour mill for next season should be cranked up. It appears Ulster's hopes of landing of Springbok and Western Province hooker Charl Marais were dashed this week with the South African provincial side refusing permission but they are set to release Robbie Brink to join Alan Solomons at Ravenhill next season.

Meanwhile in France, it seems Biarritz , who pipped Leinster in this season's European Cup pool stage before losing to Munster, are set to flash the chequebook in the Southern Hemisphere. New Zealand flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens (right) has been targeted to replace the 38-year-old Frano Botica, while Aussie wingman Joe Roff, hero of the ACT Brumbies Super 12 final win at the weekend, has also been signed.

Apart from Davidson, it seems Castres are also likely to lose New Zealander Norm Berryman, who had a disappointing season. Leaving France for sundry reasons are Tom Smith, Brian Lima, Stuart Reid, Gregor Townsend, Al Charron, Christian Califano and Christian Stoica.