Uncertainty lingers around the future of Scotland's Fergus Burke at Saracens

Saracens face a fight to keep hold of their Scotland international fly-half Fergus Burke when his contract runs out at the end of the forthcoming season, with clubs already circling and ready to swoop.

Burke, who is 27 next month, joined Saracens in 2024 to replace Owen Farrell after the England and Lions star moved to France, where he spent a season with Racing 92 before returning to the club that made him a household name.

The former New Zealand Under-20s international played in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Argentina in 2019 while on the books of Canterbury before joining the Crusaders, where he spent four years before moving to north London.

The Scottish Rugby Union wanted to place Burke with Glasgow Warriors before he opted for Saracens, and he has won five caps since making his debut against Fiji in July 2025.

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend wanted him playing north of the border, and that could happen next season, with Edinburgh keen to take him to the Scottish capital ahead of the World Cup in Australia.

Edinburgh have got Cammy Scott and Ross Thompson in the final year of their contracts, while James Grayson was also signed from the Japan Rugby League One side Mitsubishi Dynaboars for this season.

But Edinburgh have got competition from Newcastle Red Bulls, where Townsend, who is a consultant to the Austrian energy drink giants, has long been tipped to take over when his contract runs out in November 2027.

The Red Bulls, who made 22 signings to completely revamp their squad after years of spending well below the salary cap, are more than predictably looking to see who is in the final year of their current contracts.

Their first-choice playmaker next season will be Zack Henry, who signed a one-year deal to move to Kingston Park after leaving Stade Français, but they are actively looking to strengthen the position.