SAR changes
It is true that SAR is going to change hands, however the RAF element will be last to go. Friends in the know at Valley think that new arrivals on SAR now could plan on getting 2 full tours in that role, before having to move on.
As far as WSOp recruiting goes, it may be that there are not many vacancies coming up. With the nimrod MR2 gone, and VC10 and Tri* nearing the end of the line, it seems that we have lots of NCA in service now looking for jobs, and therefore less need to recruit new people.
However, at 26 you're definitely not too old, we've had students through 55 Sqn aged up to 38 lately. And though it has not been the norm before, senior mates on SAR are looking to get hold of first tourists straight out of training as well as experienced guys.
good luck with your application
CS