The premier fourteen teams’ machineries are getting ready, and the new season ushers in a significant influx of global prowess eager to shine. Ranging from the masterful lineout expertise of Will Skelton to the dazzling footwork of Davit Niniashvili, what follows is an exploration of the multinational players in the Top 14.
This compilation is presented to aid viewers in discerning identities and anticipating impacts. Some prefatory details before introducing the roster.
The volume of international athletes has marginally increased from 213 to 214, predicated on the assumption that the benchmarks for 2024/25 are upheld. Despite a few additions to the roster of nations, the aggregate count of the Foreign Legion has actually decreased by four individuals.
Fiji maintains its leading position with 29 representatives, closely trailed by England and Argentina, each boasting 24. Portugal’s contingent has diminished from two to zero, a consequence of Raffaele Storti and Nicolás Martins’ transfers to Grenoble and Colomiers respectively.
USA Perpignan heads the list concerning the most overseas competitors, showcasing 23 in their lineup, half of whom are JIFFs. Contrarily, Stade Toulousain, despite substantial investments in the foreign prospects sector, possesses a mere 11 international players.
Please note three qualifications prior to proceeding:
Players born within France, yet eligible for a different nation, are included only if they have already been capped by that nation.
Prospects or academy participants with fewer than two Top 14 appearances are omitted.
In alignment with the Pro D2 list, this compilation is restricted to individuals from nations that have already secured qualification for the World Cup or remain in contention for a spot at Australia 2027. Omission includes players hailing from the Netherlands (Niek Doornenbal), Cameroon (Chrisitan Ambadiang) or Moldova (Cristian Ojovan).
SOUTH AFRICA
Prominent acquisition: Jean-Luc du Preez (Union Bordeaux Bègles). Following the departures of Samu, Diaby, and Tatafu, UBB sought a replacement and discovered it in Jean-Luc du Preez, anticipated to inject a unique dynamic into the Top 14’s runners-up.
IRELAND
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Ireland maintains a cohort of five players in the Top 14: Paddy Jackson (Lyon – fly-half), Joey Carbery (UBB – fly-half), Ultan Dillane (Stade Rochelais – lock), Karl Martin (Montpellier – prop) and Frank Bradshaw (US Montauban – lock).
ENGLAND
Prominent acquisition: Nathan Hughes (Racing 92). The erstwhile Wasps and Bristol back-rower has pledged commitment until 2027, imparting a physical robustness to a pack in need of reinforcement.
Notable departure: Owen Farrell (Racing 92 ? Saracens).
Note: England has 24 players engaged in the Top 14: Will Collier (Castres – prop), Alexander Moon (Bayonne – lock), Manu Tuilagi (Bayonne – centre), Kyle Sinckler (RC Toulon – prop), David Ribbans (RC Toulon – lock), Lewis Ludlam (RC Toulon – loose forward), Jack Willis (Stade Toulousain – loose forward), Joe Marchant (Stade Français – centre), Joel Kpoku (Section Paloise – lock), Joe Simmonds (Section Paloise – fly-half), Junior Kpoku (Racing 92 – lock), Sam James (Racing 92 – fly-half), Dan Robson (Section Paloise – scrum-half), Kieran Brookes (USA Perpignan – prop), Zach Henry (Stade Français – fly-half), Billy Vunipola (Montpellier – loose forward), Sam Simmonds (Lyon – loose forward), Jack Nowell (Stade Rochelais – wing), Lennox Anyawu (Montpellier – centre), Jonny Hill (Racing 92 – lock), Nathan Hughes (Racing 92 – back row), Zach Mercer (RC Toulon – back row), Lewis Bean (US Montauban – lock) and Karl Wilkins (Montpellier – back row).
AUSTRALIA
Prominent acquisition: Taniela Tupou (Racing 92). An esteemed signing for Racing, the Wallabies tighthead provides formidable scrummaging skills and ball-carrying capability to the forefront.
Notable departure: Pete Samu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles ? Waratahs).
Note: Twenty Australians will participate this season, an increase of two from last year: Will Skelton (Stade Rochelais – lock), Thomas Staniforth (Castres – lock), Reece Hodge (Castres – centre), Folau Fainga’a (ASM Clermont – hooker), Rob Simmons (ASM Clermont – lock), Irae Simone (ASM Clermont – centre), Alex Newsome (ASM Clermont – fullback), Lachlan Swinton (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – loose forward), Reece Hewat (Section Paloise – loose forward), Jack Maddocks (Section Paloise – fullback), Jack McIntyre (USA Perpignan – fly-half), Jordan Uelese (Montpellier – hooker), Silalotu Latu (Stade Rochelais – hooker), Kane Douglas (Stade Rochelais – lock), Joe Powell (US Montauban – scrum-half), Taniela Tupou (Racing 92 – prop), Tom Banks (Montpellier – outside back), Langi Gleeson (Montpellier – back row), Rob Leota (Bayonne – back row) and Suliasi Vunivalu (Stade Rochelais – wing).
ARGENTINA
Prominent acquisition: Julián Montoya (Section Paloise). A significant achievement for Pau, the legendary Pumas hooker will strengthen their set-piece execution, imparting ball-carrying force and defensive grit.
Notable departure: Tomás Lavanini (Lyon?).
Note: Argentina has augmented its representation by one player relative to 2024, offsetting the exits of Lavanini, Kodela, Urdapilleta, and Petti. The 24 Argentinians are: Facundo Bosch (Bayonne – hooker), Lucas Adler (Bayonne – lock), Rodrigo Bruno (Bayonne – loose forward), Mateo Carreras (Bayonne – wing), Santiago Chocobares (Stade Toulousain – centre), Juan Cruz Mallia (Stade Toulousain – wing), Juan Scelzo (Stade Français – loose forward), Marcos Kremer (ASM Clermont – loose forward), Bautista Delguy (ASM Clermont – wing), Ignacio Calles (Section Paloise – prop), Ignacio Ruiz (USA Perpignan – hooker), Joaquin Oviedo (USA Perpignan – loose forward), Jeronimo de la Fuente (USA Perpignan – fly-half), Domingos Miotti (Montpellier – fly-half), Joel Sclavi (Stade Rochelais – prop), Facundo Isa (Section Paloise – back row), Facundo Pompino (US Montauban – prop), Lucio Sordoni (US Montauban – prop), Tomás Lezana (US Montauban – back row), Segundo Tuculet (US Montauban – outside back), Ignacio Brex (RC Toulon – centre), Geronimo Prisciantelli (Racing 92 – fly-half), Julián Montoya (Section Paloise – hooker) and Justo Piccardo (Montpellier – centre).
SCOTLAND
Prominent acquisition: Ali Price (Montpellier). In tandem with Alex Masibaka, the scrum-half introduces added experience and tempo to Montpellier’s backline.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Scotland’s complement has expanded to eight: Ben White (RC Toulon – scrum-half), Blair Kinghorn (Stade Toulousain – fly-half), Jonny Gray (UBB – lock), Stuart Hogg (Montpellier – fullback), Ewan Johnson (Bayonne – lock), Alex Masibaka (Montpellier – number eight), Ali Price (Montpellier – scrum-half) and Jamie Ritchie (USA Perpignan – back row).
FIJI
Prominent acquisition: Iosefo Masi (Lyon). Recruited to offset the departure of Davit Niniashvili, Masi imbues Lyon’s midfield with pace, power, and attacking flair.
Notable departure: Semi Radradra (Lyon ? Shizuoka Blues).
Note: Fiji sustains its position as the most substantial international delegation in the Top 14, numbering 29 players: Leone Nakarawa (Castres – lock), Andrea Cocagi (Castres – centre), Vilimoni Botitu (Castres – centre), Luke Tagi (Bayonne – prop), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne – centre), Setariki Tuicuvu (RC Toulon – wing/fullback), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Lyon – wing), Peniasi Dakuwaqa (Stade Français – wing), Peceli Yato (USA Perpignan – loose forward), Sam Matavesi (Lyon – hooker), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Racing 92 – centre), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92 – centre), Wame Naituvi (Racing 92 – wing), Vinaya Habosi (Racing 92 – wing), Taniela Ramasibana (USA Perpignan – loose forward), Eneriko Buliruarua (USA Perpignan – centre), Alvereti Duguivalu (USA Perpignan – centre), Levani Botia (Stade Rochelais – loose forward), Salesi Rayasi (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – wing), Veresa Ramototabua (Castres – back row), Vuate Karawalevu (Castres – wing), Alivereti Raka (Clermont – wing), Tevita Ratuva (Clermont – lock), Pio Muarua (Clermont – back row), Alivereti Loaloa (Clermont – centre), Semi Lagilava (Stade Rochelais – centre), Iosefo Masi (Lyon – centre), Selestino Ravutaumada (Racing 92 – wing) and Josua Vici (US Montauban – wing).
ITALY
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Italy’s representation remains constant, with eight players participating in the Top 14: Ange Capuozzo (Stade Toulousain – outside back), Federico Mori (Bayonne – centre), Gianmarco Lucchesi (RC Toulon – hooker), Paolo Garbisi (RC Toulon – fly-half), Giacomo Nicotera (Stade Français – hooker), Martin Page-Relo (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – scrum-half), Monty Ioane (Lyon – wing), Pietro Ceccarelli (USA Perpignan – prop) and Tommaso Allan (USA Perpignan – fullback/fly-half).
GEORGIA
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Davit Niniashvili’s transfer constitutes one of the most significant intra-Top 14 moves of the summer, yet Georgia’s overall presence is stable at 23: Levan Chilachava (Castres – prop), Beka Gigashvili (RC Toulon – prop), Giorgi Melikidze (Stade Français – prop), Sergo Abramishvili (Stade Français – prop), Giorgi Akhaladze (ASM Clermont – prop), Irakli Aptsiauri (Lyon – prop), Beka Shvangiradze (Lyon – loose forward), Beka Saghinadze (Lyon – loose forward), Davit Niniashvili (Stade Rochelais – fullback/wing), Lesko Kaulashvili (Section Paloise – prop), Guram Papidze (Section Paloise – prop), Beka Gorgadze (Section Paloise – loose forward), Guram Gogichasvili (Racing 92 – prop), Gia Kharaishvili (Racing 92 – prop), Giorgi Tetrashvili (USA Perpignan – prop), Gela Aprasidze (USA Perpignan – scrum-half), Nika Abuladze (Montpellier – prop), Luka Japaridze (Montpellier – prop), Aleksandre Kuntelia (Stade Rochelais – prop), Giorgi Dzmanashvili (Clermont – prop), Nikoloz Narmania (RC Toulon – prop), Luka Azariashvili (US Montauban – prop) and Nugzar Somkhishvili (US Montauban – prop).
WALES
Prominent acquisition: Adam Beard (Montpellier). The lock’s enlistment is projected to reinforce Montpellier’s lineout and maul proficiency, thereby aiding their quest for a top-six berth.
Notable departure: Dan Biggar (RC Toulon ? retired).
Note: Subsequent to Biggar’s retirement, Wales will be represented by Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – lock), Adam Beard (Montpellier – lock), Gareth Anscombe (Bayonne – fly-half) and Carwyn Tuipulotu (Section Paloise – back row).
SAMOA
Prominent acquisition: Sam Malolo (USA Perpignan – hooker).
Notable departure: Fritz Lee (Clermont ? retired). The Clermont icon retires after 240 appearances and 13 seasons, decorated with a Top 14 title and Challenge Cup victory.
Note: Samoa boasts 11 players in the Top 14: Brian Alainu’uese (RC Toulon – lock), Duncan Paia’aua (RC Toulon – centre), Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français – prop), Moses Alo-Emile (Stade Français – prop), Tumua Manu (Section Paloise – centre), Seilala Lam (USA Perpignan – hooker), UJ Seuteni (Stade Rochelais – centre), Sam Malolo (USA Perpignan – hooker), Iakopo Mapu (Stade Français – back row), Michael Ala’alatoa (Clermont – prop) and Giovanni Habel-Kuffner (Bayonne – back row).
JAPAN
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: Tevita Tatafu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles ? Sungoliath).
Note: Following Tatafu’s departure, Naoto Saito (Stade Toulousain – scrum-half) is the sole Japanese player in the Top 14.
SPAIN
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: Guillaume Rouet (Bayonne ? Nissa).
Note: Spain’s contingent has grown to seven: Manex Ariceta (Bayonne – loose forward), Samuel Ezeala (Stade Français – wing), Jon Zabala (Section Paloise – prop), Alvaro Garcia (Stade Français – hooker), Lucien Richardis (Stade Toulousain – utility back), Fred Quércy (US Montauban – back row) and Joel Merkler (Stade Toulousain – prop).
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: David Ainu’u (Stade Toulousain – prop) continues to represent the USA as the nation’s singular Top 14 participant.
URUGUAY
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Santiago Arata (Castres – scrum-half) holds the distinction of being Uruguay’s sole representative in the Top 14.
TONGA
Prominent acquisition: Vaea Fifita (US Montauban). The 33-year-old forward enhances the newly promoted team’s set-piece capabilities and ball skills.
Notable departure: Feao Fotuaika (Lyon ? Brumbies).
Note: Tonga’s contingent has diminished from 13 to nine: Pita Ahki (Stade Toulousain – centre), Tanginoa Halaifonua (Stade Français – loose forward), George Moala (ASM Clermont – centre), Ben Tameifuna (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – prop), Tomakino Taufa (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – prop), Adam Coleman (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – lock), Siate Tokolahi (Section Paloise – prop), Livai Tikoipau (USA Perpignan – prop) and Vaea Fifita (US Montauban – utility forward).
CHILE
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Diego Escobar (Racing 92 – hooker) is the only Chilean player in the Top 14.
ROMANIA
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Lukas Mitu (Castres – hooker) is Romania’s exclusive representative, potentially slated for a move to Pro D2 before the closure of the window.
BELGIUM
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Matias Remue (Stade Toulousain – back row) is the sole Belgian player in the Top 14, having made his debut in the previous season.
CANADA
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: Tyler Ardron (Castres – back row) has been a central figure since his arrival in 2020.
NAMIBIA
Prominent acquisition: None.
Notable departure: None.
Note: With Montauban’s promotion, lock Tjiuee Uanivi becomes Namibia’s exclusive Top 14 representative.
The assessment of the Top 14 authority
James Harrington was challenged to nominate the season’s top overseas acquisition, the most undervalued acquisition, and the necessary acquisition for a club before the season’s commencement.
Top acquisition of the season: Zach Mercer (RC Toulon). Zach arrived at Toulon after recovering from a knee injury. It’s clear that Zach Mercer has something to prove – to himself and Steve Borthwick. He’ll be a massive asset in Toulon. Also, Toulon are facing Montpellier first. An honorable mention for Adam Beard, who could be in the Montpellier for that match.
The most underrated acquisition: Vuate Karawalevu (Castres). It seems that Castres could have done it again. No one is talking much about this new cross-code Fiji international. That silence may not last long, if he finds his feet in a squad that also has Vilimoni Botitu, Adrea Cocagi and Leone Nakarawa.
The acquisition that a specific team was really in need of: Geronimo Prisciantelli (Racing 92). You’d assume that Felipe Contepomi has a good understanding of what it takes to be a good fly-half. He called up Prisciantelli to the Argentina for the July Tests v England. Contepomi has definitely seen something worth a closer look. Racing were in dire need of new fly-halves after Owen Farrell, Tristan Tedder and Dan Lancaster. Prisciantelli and Aurillac’s Ugo Seunes are a departure from the norms, but both have what it takes to become bright lights in Racing.
