Rugby Rumours: Halfpenny on the market, Tiger Blossom, Ackermann's intro and Samu returns

Halfpenny on the market:

Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal confirmed that the club are no longer after the services of British and Irish Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny.

With his heavy international absenses and injury worries, he comes with his own set of baggage... Bath, Saints and the Welsh regions of the Pro 12 wouldn't say no.

Tiger Blossom:

Melborne Rebel Amanaki Mafi has already had a spell in the top tier of English rugby with Bath, but with a season of Super Rugby under his belt he is looking for a return.

The powerful back-rower has been linked back to the Aviva Premiership with Leicester Tigers, under Matt O'Connor, who has links with the Rebels club.

Ackermann's intro:

Johan Ackermann will be at the helm of the Cherry and Whites next season, and with their current transfers falling flat he may have to call on the services of his Son.

Ruan Ackermann would fill the void in the Gloucester back-row and having played under his Father at the Lions in Super Rugby, it's a family dynamic that works

Samu returns:

After the sale of Louis Picamoles and Northampton Saints' statement on investing that money back into the squad, eyes are fixed on news of a big signing.

Samu Manoa, no stranger to Franklin's Gardens, has been linked back to the club having played there from 2010-15, moving on to Toulon were he has stayed ever since.