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Rugby Transfers: World Cup-winning All Black named as Dave Rennie’s Japan replacement, Ulster make double signing and Blues bolster ranks Andrew Ellis (left) and Martin Moloney (right) feature in the latest round-up of rugby transfers Kobe Steelers have named their replacement for Dave Rennie as head coach, while Ulster and the Blues have strengthened their playing squads ahead of the upcoming season. Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals. Kobe Steelers reveal World Cup-winning All Black as new head coach Former All Black Andrew Ellis will take over from Rennie as Kobe Steelers head coach, the Japanese side have confirmed. Ellis’ appointment comes with Rennie now taking the reins of the All Blacks, and returns to Kobe after a six-year spell during his playing career. Elsewhere, the Steelers have confirmed Sir Wayne Smith will move up to the role of head of coaching, while Kyohei Morita, Hisateru Hirashima, Tom Franklin, Anderson Fraser and James Semple form a new-look assistant coach team. Sharks team v All Blacks: Ma’a Nonu primed for debut as Springboks return for midweek clash Commenting on his appointment as Kobe head coach, Ellis said: “My primary experience to date has come from leadership roles I’ve played for various teams, often as a player-coach, leading the team while playing. “The high-performance environments I’ve built and the experience I’ve gained from learning from great coaches form the foundation of my coaching style and how I move the team forward. “I value hard work, effort, attitude, and the joy of rugby, along with great compassion. I am proud to be a part of the Kobelco Kobe Steelers and understand what is required of a “steelworker.” “I look forward to returning to Kobe and doing my best to help the team grow and build something special. I want to show the players and fans exciting rugby. “I am also very much looking forward to working with the amazing team in Kobe – the players, the management, and the young and exciting coaching group led by legend Wayne Smith.” Ulster make double signing URC side Ulster have completed the double signing of Daniel Hawkshaw and Martin Moloney for the 2026/27 season. 24-year-old Hawkshaw joins the province from All-Ireland outfit Clontarf, but has previously worked with Ulster boss Richie Murphy during his time with Ireland U20s. The back also spent time in the Connacht academy. Back-rower Moloney heads to Ulster following his exit from PREM Rugby finalists Exeter Chiefs, where he made 24 appearances across his two seasons at Sandy Park. The 26-year-old also featured 11 times for Ulster prior to his move to the English South West, and also donned the Green jersey at U20s level. Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust. Commenting on the arrival of the pair, Ulster general manager, Rory Best, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming both Daniel and Martin into the senior squad. Both are talented players who have shown their potential and ability at club level. “Both provide us with more depth options and competition for places as we prepare for the new season ahead.” Blues bolster ranks for 2027 Super Rugby Pacific side Blues have signed Highlanders man Nic Shearer on a deal for 2027. The 23-year-old back has represented New Zealand at U19 and U20 level, and made his Highlanders debut last season, before adding two further appearances. He has also featured for both Southland and Canterbury in the NPC, making a combined 20 appearances in the past three seasons. Commenting on joining the Blues, Shearer said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Blues for 2027. It’s a club with a great history and I can’t wait to get up to Auckland and get stuck in with the squad. “This is a huge opportunity for me. The Blues have a clear vision for how they want to play and I want to be part of that going forward.” Blues general manager of rugby, Murray Williams, added: “Nic’s shown real growth over the last couple of seasons and we think he’ll add genuine competition and depth at halfback. “We’re building depth across our spine for 2027, and Nic ticks a lot of boxes in his game management, kicking game and the way he directs a team around the park.”