Country by country guide to the Pro D2 Foreign Legion

We are just a few weeks away from the first round of the 2025/2026 Pro D2, with Vannes, Provence, Grenoble, Colomiers, Oyonnax and Brive being the prime candidates for a Top 14 promotion.

So, how did each club strengthen their squads? And what foreign players are going to play a key role in their clubs’ goals?

With that in mind, we’ve built a database of the foreign rugby legion to help guide you through the dense rugby forest that is the Pro D2.

But before we move on to the list, it is essential to keep in mind three caveats:

Fixture

Pro D2

Biarritz

55 - 36

Full-time

Beziers

All Stats and Data

The list is only comprised of players from nations that are already qualified for the World Cup, or who are still trying to reach Australia 2027. Players from the Netherlands (Willie du Plesis and Boris Hadinegoro, for example), Algeria, Morocco (Karim Qadiri) or the Cook Islands (Tyrone Vi’iga) are not on the list.

The Pro D2 transfer market is still open, and a few signings can still happen.

The biggest arrival means players who had never played in France before this
season.

With that said, let’s share a few pieces of data before you scroll down to each country’s player list:

There was a slight decrease in the total foreign player amount when compared to the 2024/2025 season, as nine nations have lost athletes, with England, Ireland, Argentina, Fiji and Georgia amongst those.

Aurillac, with 23 players, is the team with the most foreign players, a good portion of whom are JIFF (trained at the club), which means they don’t count as an extra community player. Agen and Nevers are at the opposite end, with just 11 foreign players each.

Let’s delve deeper into the 24 nations represented in the Pro D2.

SOUTH AFRICA
Biggest arrival: Henco Venter (CA Brive). The former Glasgow Warriors loose forward replaces Ross Moriarty and will undoubtedly add a new layer of physicality to a side focused on getting back to the Top14.
Main departure: Chris Smith (Oyonnax to Lions). Smith’s first Pro D2 experience ended early, departing from Oyonnax after just one season, featuring in 24 games (11 as a starter).
The 28 Pro D2 South African players are: Shaun Reynolds (US Nevers – fly-half), Johan Georg Wasserman (US Nevers – full-back), Janse Roux (Colomiers – lock), Ru-Hann Greyling (US Montauban – hooker), Marcel Van der Merwe (CA Brive – prop), Retief Marais (CA Brive – loose forward), Nic Krone (CA Brive – full-back), John Fincham (AS Béziers-Hérault – prop), Wilmar Arnlodi (AS Béziers-Hérault – hooker),
Sias Koen (AS Béziers-Hérault – loose forward), Johannes Jonker (FC Grenoble – prop), Hanru Sirgel (FC Grenoble – loose forward), Robert Rodgers (Stade Aurillacois – prop), Abongile Nonkontwana (Stade Aurillacois – loose forward), Jean-Luc Cilliers (Stade Aurillacois – fly-half), Adriaan Coertzen (Stade Aurillacois – wing), Jordon Van Rensburg (Stade Aurillacois – wing), Gareth Milasinovich (Valence Romans DR – prop), Thembelani Bholi (Valence Romans DR – lock), Gysbert du Preez (US Dax – lock), Aston Fortuin (Biarritz – lock), Henco Venter (CA Brive – back-row), Uzair Cassiem (US Oyonnax – back-row), Irné Herbst (Brive – lock), Duran Koevert (Béziers – full-back), Heath Backhouse (Biarritz – prop), Handré Stassen (CA Brive – back-row)

IRELAND
Biggest arrival: John Cooney (CA Brive). With the departure of Leo Carbonneau, CA Brive went searching for a suitable replacement, with Ulster’s John Cooney picked for that role. He is one of the 16 new faces in the Brive roster.
Main departure: Karl Martin (Aurillac to Montpellier). The former Leinster youth grade prop had his best season since joining the French club scene, starting in 23 out of 25 games for Aurillac, which was enough to convince Montpellier to sign him back.
Note: Ireland’s Pro D2 presence has gone from 12 to nine players, and the two most notable absences are Darren O’Shea (Valence Romans) and Tom Daly (Stade Niçois) who have retired from professional rugby.
The nine Irish players in the Pro D2: John Madigan (SA Agen – lock), Darren Sweentam (US Oyonnax – wing), Stuart Olding (CA Brive – fly-half), Ronan Loughnane (Stade Aurillacois – hooker), Eoghan Masterson (Stade Aurillacois – loose forward), Eoghan Barrett (Soyaux-Angoulême – wing), John Cooney (CA Brive – scrum-half), Liam Turner (US Nevers – wing) and Evrard Oulai (US Carcassonne – lock).

NEW ZEALAND
Biggest arrival: Lisati Milo-Harris (Stade Montois). The former Chiefs scrum-half was one of Stade Montois’ biggest arrivals, adding a bit more flair and unpredictability to the jaunes et noirs.
Main departure: Jimmy Gopperth (Provence). Big caveat with Jimmy Gopperth, as the legendary utility back can still remain in the Pro D2 and continue to spread rugby love for another season.
Note: New Zealand was one of the nations that saw an increase in the number of players, going from 16 to 19.
The New Zealanders who are playing in the Pro D2 are: Chris Gabriel (US Nevers – lock), Ray Nu’u (Colomiers – centre), Roy Grice (US Oyonnax – loose forward), Jonathan Ruru (US Oyonnax – scrum-half), Gavin Stark (US Oyonnax – wing), Kaveinga Finau (Provence – centre),  Dominic Robertson-McCoy (Stade
Aurillacois – prop), Ofa Manuofetoa (Stade Aurillacois – centre), Sam Weasley (US Dax – loose forward), Ben Botica (Soyaux-Angoulême – fly-half), George Tilsey (Soyaux-Angoulême – wing), Lisati Milo-Harris (Stade Montois), Jay Tuivaiti (Stade Montois), Sam Tuifua (Stade Montois), Solomone Tukuafu (Biarritz), Michael Hawkes (Provence), Joe Edwards (Vannes), Michael Ruru (Vannes) and Francis Saili (Vannes).

ENGLAND
Biggest arrival: Jamie Shillcock (Brive). A new challenge awaits former Leicester Tiger Jamie Shillcock, who will have to tangle with Curwin Bosch for the fly-half starting spot.
Main departure: Billy Searle (SU Agen to Tigers). While Agen’s season wasn’t one for the ages, Billy Searle was by far one of their best performers, racking up 117 points in 22 games. He replaces Shillcock as Leicester Tigers’ replacement fly-half.
Note: While Mako Vunipola and Ben Stevenson will experience their first Pro D2 season with Vannes, more than a few Englishmen left, meaning that England’s Pro D2 footprint has gone from 18 to 17.
With one less player compared to last season, these are the England players in the Pro D2: Jack Maunder (SA Agen – scrum-half), Charlie Matthews (Dax – lock), Jonathan Joseph (Biarritz Olympique – centre), Courtney Lawes (Brive – utility forward), Zach Kibirige (Biarritz Olympique – wing), Teimana Harrison (Provence – loose forward), Lewis Bean (Montauban – lock), Karl Wilkins (Montauban – loose forward),  Myles Edwards (Colomiers – lock), Jonny May (Soyaux-Angoulême – wing), Craig Willis (SU Agen – fly-half), Jamie Shillcock (CA Brive – utility back), Calum Randle (Valence Romans – wing), Ben Stevenson (Vannes – wing), Johnny McPhillips (US Carcassonne – fly-half), George Smith (Nevers – lock) and Mako Vunipola (Vannes –
prop).

ARGENTINA
Biggest arrival: Mayco Vivas (US Oyonnax). One of my personal top Pro D2 signings of the season, Mayco Vivas, will empower the Oyonnax set-piece to a new level, while being a full-blown threat out in the open.
Main departure: Joaquin de la Vega (retired). It was an unfortunate turn of events for one of the most talented Pumas players of the last five years, as Colomiers’ de la Vega was forced to retire due to health problems.
Note: Argentina has lost three assets from last season, even with the arrivals of Mayco Vivas, Federico Lavanini and Nicolas Heit.
Here are the 14 Argentinians who will lay down the Pumas law come late August: Pablo Dimcheff (Colomiers – hooker), Lucas Mensa (US Oyonnax – centre), Martín Bogado (US Yonnax – full-back), Federico Wegrzyn (Provence – Prop), Nicolas Toth (Provence – prop), Francisco Marchetti (CA Brive – prop), Bautista Ezcurra (Stade Montois – centre), Mayco Vivas (US Oyonnax – prop), Martin Villar (US Oyonnax – prop), Nicolas Heit (Carcassonne – back-row), Federico Lavanini (Colomiers – lock), Santiago Medrano (Vannes – prop), Francisco Gorrisen (Vannes – back-row), Juan Pedemonte (Vannes – back-row).

SCOTLAND
Biggest arrival: Dave Cherry (Vannes). The veteran hooker is a tasty signing for Vannes, who are eyeing a quick return to the Top 14. Cherry’s set-piece knowledge and leadership can benefit Vannes heavily.
Main departure: Ewan Johnson (Bayonne to Oyonnax).
Note: Cornel du Preez (Biarritz), Dave Cherry (Vannes) and Gary Graham (Carcassonne) are the last three Pro D2 Scots, after the departure of Oli Kebble, Sam Johnson, Ewan Johnson and Robin McClintock.

ITALY
Biggest arrival: Edoardo Iachizzi (Vannes). Vannes made subtle improvements to their squad, and Italy’s Edoardo Iachizzi is a good example, adding muscle and aggression to the forwards’ fold.
Main departure: David Odiase (Oyonnax to Zebre).
Note: Italy has increased their Pro D2 footprint to four operators thanks to Pablo Dimcheff’s debut for the Azzurri, Martino Pucciariello and Edoardo Iachizzi’s arrivals, alongside François Mei, who will remain with SAXV for another season.

AUSTRALIA
Biggest arrival: Ben O’Donnell (Aurillac). The former Wallabies 7s superstar makes a jump to the Pro D2, signing with Aurillac after the Brumbies allowed him to leave.
Main departure: Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco (Brive to Voltex).
Note: The number of Australians has gone up to a total of 16, featuring in the Pro D2, with special mention to Richie Arnold, who has joined SAXV after helping Toulouse win another Top 14.
They are: Efi Ma’afu (US Nevers – hooker), Caleb Timu (Colomiers – loose forward), Phoenix Battye (US Oyonnax – lock), Zach Holmes (US Oyonnax – fly-half), Sione Tui (Provence – wing), Sitakeli Timani (CA Brive – lock),  Ryan McCauley (Valence Romans DR – lock), Izack Rodda (Provence – lock), Ned Hannigan (Provence – lock), Tom Ross (Valence Romans – prop), Ben O’Donnell (Aurillac – wing), Richie Arnold (SAXV – lock), Joe Wadman (Carcassonne – centre), Ben Tapuai (Brive – centre), Jake Strachan (Aurillac) and Cameron Holt (Grenoble – lock).

FIJI
Biggest arrival: Caleb Muntz (Provence). Provence has levelled up with the arrival of Fiji’s talented playmaker Caleb Muntz, who will no doubt deliver big for his new club. Probably the biggest signing of the season.
Main departure: Tevita Ratuva (Brive to Clermont).
Note: With 31 players, Fiji remains at the top as the main supplier of foreign players to Pro D2. Only two clubs do not have any Fijian players in their squad, namely USO Nevers and US Colomiers. They can still go to 32 if Paula Walisoliso recommits with Nevers or Agen.
The full listing: Kolinio Ramoka (SA Agen – centre), Peniami Narisia (US Oyonnax – hooker), Edward Sawailau (US Oyoonax – wing), John Dyer (Biarritz Olympique – lock), Eto Bainivalu (Provence – centre), Taniela Sadrugu (CA Brive – centre), Asaeli Tuivuaka (CA Brive – wing), Tevita Railevu (CA Brive – wing), Peteru Mailulu (AS Béziers-Hérault – lock), Aminiasi Tuimaba (AS Béziers-Hérault – wing), Kaminieli Rasaku (FC Grenoble – wing), Simeli Yabaki (Stade Aurillacois – wing), Ben Neiceru (Valence Romans DR – wing), Mosese Mawalu (Valence Romans DR – loose forward), Ratu Nacika (US Dax – loose forward), Jale Vatubua (US Dax – centre), Nacani Wakaya (Stade Montois – centre), Sikeli Nabou (Soyaux-Angoulême – lock), Ledua Mau (Soyaux-Angoulême – centre), Sunia Vola (Stade Niçois – prop), Caleb Muntz (Provence – fly-half), Filipo Nakosi (Vannes – wing), Kitione Kamikamica (Vannes – back-row), Mosese Dawai (Stade Montois – wing), Viliame Tutuvuli (US Dax – wing), Osea Waqaninavatu (Valence Romans – wing), Leone Rotisolia (Oyonnax – lock), Tomasi Seru (Stade Montois – wing), Josh Thompson (FC Grenoble – lock), Setareki Bituniyata (Provence – wing) and Albert Tuisue (back-row),

WALES
Biggest arrival: None
Main departure: Ross Moriarty (Brive to Ospreys). After three seasons with Brive, Moriarty left to join the Ospreys. The Welsh No.8 dotted down five tries in 41 games for the Brivistes.
Note: With Ross Moriarty’s departure, Wales have now five representatives those being:
Sam Davies (Grenoble – fly-half), Tyler Morgan (US Oyonnax – loose forward), George North (Provence – centre), Tom Francis (Provence – prop) and Owen Lane (Valence Romans DR – centre).

GEORGIA
Biggest arrival: Luka Matkava (Oyonnax). After a failed experience at Castres, the Georgian maestro accepted Oyonnax’s challenge to join the club, now having the chance to pair up with Vasil Lobzhanidze.
Main departure: Lasha Jaiani (US Nevers to ?).
Note: Trailing only Fiji by one player, Georgia is the 2 nd most represented Pro D2 nation.
The 30 Georgians (16 of whom are Lelos internationals) are: Lasha Macharashvili (SA Agen – prop), Ilia Kaikatsishvili (US Nevers – prop), Vasil Lobzhanidze (US Oyonnax – scrum-half), Giorgi Nutsubidze (Biarritz Olympique – prop), Tornike Jalagonia (Provence – loose forward), Omar Odishvili (CA Brive – prop), Vakh Abdaladze (CA Brive – prop), Konstantin Mikautadze (CA Brive – lock), Georges Shvelidze (CA Brive – centre), Giorgi Mamaiashvili (FC Grenoble – prop), Giorgi Pertaia (FC Grenoble – prop), Giorgi Javakhia (FC Grenoble – lock), Irakli Mtchedlidze (Stade Aurillacois – prop), Giorgi Kartvelishvili (Stade Aurillacois –
prop), Basa Khonelidze (Stade Aurillacois – hooker), Luka Nioradze (Stade Aurillacois – loose forward), Mikheil Alania (Vannes – scrum-half), Tedo Abzhandadze (Stade Aurillacois – fly-half), Aleksandre Burduli (Aurillac – back-row), Dachi Papunashvili (Stade Aurillacois – wing),  Ilia Spanderashvili (Valence Romans DR – loose
forward), Luka Goginava (Stade Montois – prop), Lado Chachanidze (Stade Montois – lock), Ioane Iashagashvili (Stade Montois – loose forward), Davit Mchedlidze (Nevers – prop), Luka Petriashvili (Nevers – hooker), Vano Karkadze (Oyonnax – hooker), Luka Matkava (Oyonnax – fly-half), Mamuka Mstoiani (Agen – prop) and Vakhtangi Akhoadze (Carcassonne – prop).

SAMOA
Biggest arrival: Danny Toala (Oyonnax). The Samoan centre departed from Moana Pasifika to join the Pro D2 ranks, having been highlighted as one of Oyonnax’s top summer transfers.
Main departure: Luteru Tolai (Biarritz to ?).
Note: Even with Toala’s arrival and Jordan Puletua’s Carcassonne having won promotion to the Pro D2, the number of Samoans has decreased from 11 to eight players: Piula Fa’asalele (Biarritz Olympique – lock), Brendon Nansen (FC Grenoble – lock), Nephi Leatigaga (US Dax – prop), Genesis Lemalu (US Dax – loose forward), Danny Toala (Oyonnax – centre), Izaiha Moore-Aiono (Valence Romans – back-row), Jordan Puletua (Carcassonne – centre) and Motu Matu’u (Soyaux-Angoulême – hooker).

PORTUGAL
Biggest arrival: Nicolás Martins (Colomiers). The Lobos back-row has taken a step back, having left the Montpellier roster to join the dreamers of Colomiers. Colomiers will boast one of the top loose forward trios in the entire Pro D2.
Main departure: Francisco Fernandes (retired).
Note: Portugal’s Pro D2 player fauna has increased from 17 to 19, a positive sign for the Lobos fans: Lucas Martins (SA Agen – wing), Rodrigo Marta (Colomiers – wing), Vincent Pinto (Colomiers – wing), Hugo Camacho (AS Béziers-Hérault – scrum-half), Hugo Aubry (AS Béziers-Hérault – fly-half), Samuel Marques (AS Béziers – scrum-half), Cody Thomas (FC Grenoble – prop), José Madeira (FC Grenoble – lock), Joris Moura (Valence Romans DR – fly-half), Diogo Hasse Ferreira (US Dax – prop), Martim Souto (Aurillac – prop), Manuel Vareiro (Provence – fly-half), Luka Begic (Stade Montois – hooker), Anthony Alves (Stade Montois – prop), Pierre Sayerse (Stade Montois – wing), Simão Bento (Stade Montois – full-back), Raffaele Storti (Grenoble – wing), Nicolás Martins (Colomiers – back-row) and Diego Pinheiro Ruiz (Provence – back-row).

TONGA
Biggest arrival: Viliami Taulani (Aurillac). The former Chiefs and Harlequins flanker was one of the few additions made by the US Carcassonne board, adding explosive power to the newly promoted side in the Pro D2.
Main departure: Michael Faleafa (Stade Montois to ?).
Note: Tonga has significantly increased its presence in the Pro D2, adding seven new players to bring its total to 14. The 14 are: Atunaisa Manu (US Nevers – centre), Otonuku Jr Pauta (AS Béziers-Hérault – loose forward), Anzelo Tuitavuki (Colomiers), Mosa’ati Moala (Stade Aurillacois – lock), David Lolohea (US Dax – prop), Taniela Matakaiongo (Agen – lock), Viliami Taulani (Aurillac – back-row), Phil Kité (Colomiers – prop), Sitaleki Timani (Carcassonne – lock), Lopeti Timani (Carcassonne – back-row), Tane Takulua (Carcassonne – scrum-half), Siua Halanukonuka (Carcassonne – prop), Ofa Manuoftoa (Aurillac – centre) and Sione Kalamafoni (Vannes – back-row).

URUGUAY
Biggest arrival: Baltazar Amaya (Béziers). The utility back has left the Super Rugby Americas to face a fresh challenge, replacing special talent Gabin Lorre at Béziers.
Main departure: None.
Note: Manuel Leindekar (Oyonnax – lock) and Baltazar Amaya are the only two Uruguayans in the Pro D2.

SPAIN
Biggest arrival: Alberto Carmona (Colomiers).
Main departure: Gauthier Minguillon (Valence Romans to RFER). The prolific wing has put an end to his career abroad, having moved back to Spain to earn a centralised contract ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Note: Fourteen Spanish players are going to tangle in the 2025/2026 Pro D2, those being: Hugo Pirlet (Biarritz – prop), Ignacio Piñeiro (FC Grenoble – loose forward), Ekain Imaz (Biarritz Olympique – loose forward), Kerman Aurrekoetxea (Biarritz Olympique – scrum-half), Asier Usarraga (CA Brive – loose forward), Charly Malié (AS Béziers-Hérault – fly-half),  Lucas Gillaume (US Dax – lock), Brice Ferrer (US Dax – loose forward), Gauthier Gibouin (Soyaux-Angoulême – loose forward), Alberto Carmona (Colomiers – centre), Martin Alonso (Colomiers – wing), Kerman Aurrekoetxea (Biarritz – scrum-half), Pelayo Serrano (Agen – centre), Tomas Munilla (Carcassonne – scrum-half) and Nico Parada (Carcassonne – back-row).

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Ranger Van Eerten (the lock moved from Brive to Provence) and Kapeli Pifeleti (Provence – hooker) are the only two Eagles showing their best at the Pro D2.

ROMANIA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: Adrian Motoc (Biarritz to Nissa Rugby).
Note: Five Stejarii still roam freely in the Pro D2, with Taylor Gontineac (AS Béziers – centre), Gheorge Gajion (Stade Montois – prop), Thomas Cretu (US Dax – prop), Antonio Mitrea (Aurillac – centre) and Adrian Mitu (SAXV – back-row) being those.

CANADA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Evan Olmstead (Agen – lock) and Matt Beukeboom (SAXV – lock) are the only two Canadians playing in the Pro D2.

BRAZIL
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Biarritz’s utility back Lucas Mignot is the only Brazilian Pro D2 player, having debuted mid-last season.

BELGIUM
Biggest arrival: Jean-Maurice Decubber (SAXV). After a season in which the back-row experienced almost no game time, Decubber was signed by Soyaux-Angoulême.
Main departure: None.
Note: Four Belgians are currently contracted with Pro D2 sides: Gillian Benoy (AS Béziers – lock), William van Bost (AS Béziers – back-row), Jean-Maurice Decubber (SAXV – back-row) and Charlesty Berguet (Vannes – prop).

NAMIBIA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Grenoble possesses the only two Namibians of the Pro D2, back-row Richard Hardwick and outside back Gerswin Mouton.

CHILE
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: RC Vannes Iñaki Ayarza is the only Chilean in the entire Pro D2.

The Opinion of the ProD 2 Expert(s)
The Rosbifs Rugby (Rob and Rich) have been closely monitoring the Pro D2 for the last few years, and we challenged them to give their opinion about the best and the underrated signing, as well as the biggest transfer miss.

Best Signing: Richie Arnold (SAXV). Someone of that pedigree coming from that Toulouse set-up would be a good signing for any team in Pro D2. For SAXV, he is a particularly good match given the relative callowness of the pack.

Underrated Signing: Dave Cherry (RC Vannes). Started in every game in this year’s Six Nations, another one that feels like a brilliant coup for any Pro D2 side. Given how Vannes played last year, he feels like a great fit, could have a huge impact round the park and on the scoresheet.

Biggest Miss: Jamie Shillcock (CA Brive). Shillcock is a brilliant player. An absolute revelation at Leicester, so consistent and accomplished. Played in both England A games last season. Feels like the sort of player Newcastle Red Bulls should be signing now, he’d be a good signing for any Prem or Top 14 club. Agen and Béziers feel like two clubs that could do with a quality 10 that could equally play 15. Assume the reason he’s ended up at Brive and not anywhere else is down to budgets.