Country by country guide to the Pro D2 Foreign Legion for 2026/27

With more than 250 foreign players spread across the division’s 16 teams, the Pro D2’s foreign legion is ready to make its mark on another fiercely competitive season.

From Spain to the Cook Islands, the second tier of French club rugby is packed with talent, thrills and some of the best players in the World.

Although more than 30 nations are represented in the ProD2, we decided to highlight only the countries that will be involved in next year’s Rugby World Cup, which make up a total of 224 players.

This represents a decrease of 22 players compared with last season, with Portugal (-9), Spain (-5) and New Zealand among the countries to have suffered the biggest losses.

In contrast, Australia’s numbers grew by seven, with Romania, Chile and the USA also strengthening their presence in the division by one or two players each.

Among the nations most heavily represented in the Pro D2, Georgia has dethroned long-time leader Fiji, boasting 31 players across the division. South Africa follows closely with 30, while Fiji sits third with 28.

A couple of points to clarify before we get to the list:

– “Biggest arrival” refers to players who have joined the ProD2, meaning it doesn’t necessarily mean it is their first time playing in France.

– Along the same lines, ‘Main departure’ refers to players who have left the ProD2, whether because they were promoted to the Top 14, moved to the Nationale, or joined another league.

– We only considered players who have featured for their national teams or who have played a minimum of five Top14/ProD2 games.

SOUTH AFRICA

Biggest arrival: Arno Botha (Nevers). The 2-time Springbok was one of Nevers’ top signings for the season, adding much-needed firepower to the front five.
Main departure: Curwin Bosch (Brive to Bulls). After two seasons abroad, Curwin Bosch returns to South Africa to join the Bulls, having scored seven tries and 229 kicking points for Brive.

Note: The 30 South African players are: Shaun Reynolds (US Nevers – fly-half), Johan Georg Wasserman (US Nevers – fullback), Ru-Hann Greyling (US Montauban – hooker), Marcel Van der Merwe (CA Brive – prop), Retief Marais (CA Brive – loose forward), Nic Krone (CA Brive – fullback), Sias Koen (AS Béziers-Hérault – loose forward), Johannes Jonker (FC Grenoble – prop), Hanru Sirgel (Nissa – loose forward), Robert Rodgers (Stade Aurillacois – prop), Jordon Van Rensburg (AS Béziers-Hérault – centre), Gareth Milasinovich (Valence Romans DR – prop), Thembelani Bholi (Valence Romans DR – lock), Aston Fortuin (Biarritz – lock), Henco Venter (CA Brive – back-row), Uzair Cassiem (US Oyonnax – back-row), Irné Herbst (Brive – lock), Duran Koevert (Béziers – fullback), Heath Backhouse (Biarritz – prop), Raynard Roets (Biarritz – lock), Arno Botha (USO Nevers – back row), JT Jackson (Mountauban – centre), Dan Jooste (Narbonne – hooker), Ruben Schoeman (Narbonne – lock), Cameron Wright (Narbonne – scrum-half), Lubabalo Dobela (Narbonne – fly-half), Aphiwe Dyantyi (Narbonne – wing), Luvuyo Pupuma (Nissa – prop), Christiaan van der Merwe (Nissa – lock) and Hanru Singrel (Nissa – back-row).

NEW ZEALAND

Biggest arrival: Solomon Alaimalo (Narbonne). The Nationale champions, Narbonne, have captured one of the biggest aerial threats in the world, as former Chiefs Solomon Alaimalo will be rocking the wings for them.
Main departure: Ray Nu’u (Colomiers to Vannes). With Vannes going up, several New Zealand-born players have gone with them, including Raymond Nu’u. The center signed with the Pro D2 champions for a fee in the hundreds of thousands of euros and will have the chance to play in the Top 14 this coming season.
Note: The 15 New Zealander players are: Jonathan Ruru (US Oyonnax – scrum-half), Gavin Stark (US Oyonnax – wing), Kaveinga Finau (Provence – centre), Sam Wasley (US Dax – loose forward), Ben Botica (Soyaux-Angoulême – fly-half), George Tilsey (Soyaux-Angoulême – wing), Liam Coombes-Fabling (Oyonnax –utility back), Abraham Pole (Narbonne – prop), Solomon Alaimalo (Narbonne – outside back), Pat Leafa (Nissa – hooker), Maka Mafileo (AS Béziers – prop), Benjamin Sa’u (US Dax – back-row), Seamus Bardoul (Colomiers – centre), Sio Tomkinson (SU Agen – centre) and Francis Saili (Nissa Rugby – utility back).

IRELAND

Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: Darren Sweetnam (US Oyonnax to retirement). After a senior career spanning 13 years, Darren Sweetnam has retired from rugby, having spent the last five seasons at Oyonnax, recording 17 tries in 80 appearances.
Note: For the first time in several years, no Irish player has signed or moved to a ProD2 club from last season to this new one. Daniel Brennan could be considered, but the Dublin-born forward played for France’s U20 team, having come up through the French youth system as a Toulouse representative. The 7 Irish players are: John Madigan (SA Agen – lock), 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) and Liam Turner (US Nevers – wing).

ENGLAND

Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: Courtney Lawes (CA Brive to Sale Sharks). It will be a new era for Brive, as they will have to embark on a new Pro D2 season without Courtney Lawes, who has returned to England. Lawes’ leadership and set-piece and breakdown knowledge will be wholeheartedly missed, ranking as the Pro D2’s top jackler for the past two seasons.
Note: Although props Christian Judge and Beau Farrance have switched clubs, neither can be considered for the ‘Biggest Arrival’ category, as both moves were between Pro D2 teams. The 15 English players are: Charlie Matthews (Dax – lock), Teimana Harrison (Provence – loose forward), Lewis Bean (Montauban – lock), Karl Wilkins (Montauban – loose forward), Myles Edwards (Colomiers – lock), Craig Willis (SU Agen – fly-half), Jamie Shillcock (CA Brive – utility back), Christian Judge (CA Brive – prop), Calum Randle (Valence Romans – wing), George Smith (Nevers – lock), Cam Dodson (AS Béziers – back-row), Hayden Thompson-Stringer (Nissa – prop), Joel Kpoku (Nissa – lock), Hugo Morley (Nissa – back-row) and Beau Farrance (Nissa – prop).

SCOTLAND

Biggest arrival: Johnny Matthews (Montauban). 33-year-old Johnny Matthews is joining Montauban for the next three seasons, with the fans of the Top 14 relegated side expecting big things from the hooker.
Main departure: Dave Cherry (Vannes). Cherry will be enjoying the Top 14 sunlight for at least one year, having helped Vannes win the ProD2 crown in June.
Note: With Cornel Du Preez (retired), Dave Cherry (Vannes) and Gary Graham (was relegated with Carcassonne) gone, Johnny Matthews will be the sole Scottish player featuring in this year’s ProD2.

ARGENTINA

Biggest arrival: Enrique Pieretto (SU Agen). Massive transfer move from Agen, who have landed 30-cap Pumas prop Enrique Pieretto. It will be the second time the prop has experienced the ProD2 Friday night lights, as he featured for Provence in 2024/2025.
Main departure: Tomás Lezana (Montauban to retirement). Although he did not play in the ProD2 last season, Tomas Lezana represented Montauban for the past four years, playing a key role in the 2024/2025 title win.
Note: Nine Pumas will be plying their trade in the ProD2 come the end of August, with Pieretto, Santiago Socino, Martín Bogado and Bautista Ezcurra among the most notable names. The 14 Argentinian representatives in the ProD2 are: Martín Bogado (Provence – fullback), Federico Wegrzyn (Provence – Prop), Francisco Marchetti (CA Brive – prop), Bautista Ezcurra (Nissa – centre), Mayco Vivas (US Oyonnax – prop), Martin Villar (US Oyonnax – prop), Federico Lavanini (Colomiers – lock), Enrique Pieretto Heiland (SU Agen – prop), Facundo Pomponio (Narbonne – prop), Lucio Sordoni (Mountauban – prop), Santi Socino (SU Agen – hooker), Lucas Mensa (US Oyonnax – centre), Álvaro Iadolino (Biarritz – lock) and Nicolás Cancio (Nissa – prop).

ITALY

Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: François Mey (SAXV to Benetton). The 23-year-old Italian talent François Mey has agreed to join URC Benetton after experiencing two promising seasons for SAXV.
Note: Pablo Dimcheff is the only Italian staying in the ProD2 – there are a few espoirs who have yet to feature in their first senior game.

AUSTRALIA

Biggest arrival: Alex Newsome (Oyonnax). Industrious centre Alex Newsome will have his first taste of the ProD2 scene, having left Clermont after four seasons. Massive statement from Oyonnax ahead of the new season.
Main departure: Ned Hanigan (Provence to retirement). Ned Hanigan’s retirement from professional rugby was announced in late May, with the Provence back-rower bringing an end to a career that included 34 caps for the Wallabies and stints with the Waratahs, Kurita Water Gush, and Provence.

Note: Australia comfortably holds the top spot for the country with the highest number of players signing with ProD2 teams from one season to the other, rising from 16 to 23. The 23 Australians operators showcasing their craft in the ProD2 are: Efi Ma’afu (US Nevers – hooker), Phoenix Battye (US Oyonnax – lock), Sione Tui (Provence – wing), Ryan McCauley (Valence Romans DR – lock), Izack Rodda (Provence – lock), Tom Ross (Valence Romans – prop), Ben O’Donnell (Aurillac – wing), Richie Arnold (SAXV – lock), Jake Strachan (Aurillac – fly-half), Cameron Holt (Grenoble – lock), Ben Houston (Aurillac – No.8), Regi Churchward (Biarritz – prop), Steven Cummins (Colomiers – lock), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Colomiers – back-row), Fergus Lee Warner (FC Grenoble – back-row), Feleti Kaitu’u (Oyonnax – hooker), Alex Newsome (Oyonnax – centre), Pone Fa’amausili (SAXV – prop), Joe Powell (Montauban – scrum-half), Jack Walsh (Montauban – fly-half), Joey Walton (Montauban – centre), Ollie Cummins (SU Agen – centre), and Caleb Timu (Narbonne – centre).

FIJI

Biggest arrival: Kaminieli Rasaku (SAXV). Soyaux-Angoulême fans are in for a treat, as Olympian speedster Kaminieli Rasaku will be sending shivers down the opposition’s spines. Rasaku exited Grenoble after a less-than-positive season with the Alpine club and will certainly make the difference come the start of the season.
Main departure: Petero Mailulu (AS Béziers to Stade Français). Petero Mailulu’s return to form last season was rewarded with a contract from Stade Français, the lock showing more than enough promise to suggest he can thrive at the next level.
Note: Fiji lost the title for the largest foreign legion contingent – dropping from 32 to 28 – having been overtaken by South Africa and Georgia. The 28 Fijians who will lay down the ProD2 law: Kolinio Ramoka (SA Agen – centre), Edward Sawailau (FC Grenoble – wing), John Dyer (Biarritz Olympique – lock), Eto Bainivalu (CA Brive – centre), Taniela Sadrugu (CA Brive – centre), Asaeli Tuivuaka (CA Brive – wing), Kaminieli Rasaku (FC Grenoble – wing), Simeli Yabaki (Stade Aurillacois – wing), Ratu Nacika (US Dax – loose forward), Ledua Mau (Soyaux-Angoulême – centre), Caleb Muntz (Provence – fly-half), Mosese Dawai (Biarritz – wing), Osea Waqaninavatu (Valence Romans – wing), Leone Rotisolia (Oyonnax – lock), Apisalome Kuruisaqila (AS BBéziers– back-row), Josh Thompson (FC Grenoble – lock), Setareki Bituniyata (Provence – wing), Albert Tuisue (Provence – back-row), Etonia Waqa (Provence – lock), Sireli Masiwini (Provence – wing), Noa Kanika (Montauban – lock), Josua Vici (Montauban – wing), Avakuki Niusalelekitoga (SAXV – centre), Apisai Naqalevu (Narbonne – centre), Iliavi Nasova (Narbonne – wing), Masivesi Dakuwaqa (Nissa – back-row) and Inoke Nalaga (Nissa – wing).

WALES

Biggest arrival: Mackenzie Martin (AS BBéziers. Welsh international Mackenzie Martin’s URC tenure has come to a halt, as the loose forward boarded the plane to join AS Béziers-Hérault for the next two seasons.
Main departure: George North (Provence to retirement). One of the true greats from Wales has called time on his career after two seasons with Provence, making a valuable contribution whenever called upon.
Note: Despite bidding farewell to Tom Francis and Owen Lane, Welsh rugby remains represented in the Pro D2, albeit on a relatively small scale. The 5 ProD2 Welshmen are: Sam Davies (Grenoble – fly-half), Tyler Morgan (US Oyonnax – loose forward), Mackenzie Martin (AS BBéziers– back-row), James Fender (FC Grenoble – lock) and Owen Williams (Nissa – fly-half).

GEORGIA

Biggest arrival: Gela Aprasidze (SAXV). SAXV has potentially nailed one of the finest signings of the Summer, as veteran scrum-half Gela Aprasidze has joined their ranks for the next two years.
Main departure: Mikheil Alania (RC Vannes).
Note: Georgia are the kings of the foreign legion, as 31 senior players are bound to feature in this season. Dachi Papunashvili, Luka Matkava, Vasil Lobzhanidze and Vano Karkadze are just some of the Lelos who are certainly going to make an impact when the season begins. The 31 Georgians are: Vasil Lobzhanidze (US Oyonnax – scrum-half), Giorgi Nutsubidze (Biarritz Olympique – prop), Tornike Jalagonia (Provence – loose forward), Vakh Abdaladze (CA Brive – prop), Konstantin Mikautadze (CA Brive – lock), Georges Shvelidze (CA Brive – centre), Giorgi Pertaia (FC Grenoble – prop), Giorgi Javakhia (SAXV – lock), Irakli Mtchedlidze (Stade Aurillacois – prop), Giorgi Kartvelishvili (Stade Aurillacois – prop), Basa Khonelidze (Stade Aurillacois – hooker), Luka Nioradze (Stade Aurillacois – loose forward), Tedo Abzhandadze (Stade Aurillacois – fly-half), Mirian Burduli (Aurillac – prop), Aleksandre Burduli (Aurillac – back-row), Dachi Papunashvili (Montauban – fullback), Rati Zazadze (USO Nevers – back-row), Gela Aprasidze (SAXV – scrum-half), Giga Tutisani (Valence Romans – prop), Nugzar Somkhishvili (Montauban – prop), Vazha Kapanadze (Nissa – prop), Ilia Spanderashvili (Valence Romans DR – loose forward), Luka Petriashvili (Nevers – hooker), Vano Karkadze (Oyonnax – hooker), Luka Matkava (Oyonnax – fly-half), Mamuka Mstoiani (Colomiers – prop), Lasha Tabidze (Aurillac – prop), Guga Ganiashvili (Aurillac – prop), Luka Azariashvili (AS BBéziers– prop), Kakhaber Darbaidze (Biarritz – prop), Luka Ungiadze (USO Nevers – prop) and

SAMOA

Biggest arrival: Duncan Paia’Aua (Biarritz). Biarritz will have a ferocious wrecking ball in its centre pairing, named Duncan Paia’aua! The centre’s physicality will be key to helping Biarritz reach new heights after several years fighting to fend off relegation.
Main departure: Genesis Lemalu (US Dax to unattached).
Note: The demise of the Moana Pasifika franchise opened the door for three players to join the ProD2 ranks. The 8 Samoans ready to bring their best to the ProD2: Brendon Nansen (FC Grenoble – lock), Nephi Leatigaga (US Dax – prop), Danny Toala (Oyonnax – centre), Izaiha Moore-Aiono (Valence Romans – back-row), Jordan Taufua (Nissa – back-row), Faletoi Peni (Narbonne – centre), Lalomilo Lalomilo (FC Grenoble – centre) and Duncan Paia’aua (Biarritz – centre).

PORTUGAL

Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: Samuel Marques (AS BBéziersto Carcassonne). The legendary veteran scrum-half is joining Carcassonne for the next season, ready to land several torpedoes to the goalposts.
Note: Portugal saw the biggest loss of players between seasons, dropping from 19 representatives to 10 as José Madeira, Nicolás Martins, and Rodrigo Marta moved to the Top 14. These are the Portuguese operators bound to impress in the ProD2: Lucas Martins (SA Agen – wing), Vincent Pinto (Colomiers – wing), Cody Thomas (FC Grenoble – prop), Joris Moura (Valence Romans DR – fly-half), Diogo Hasse Ferreira (US Dax – prop), Manuel Vareiro (Provence – fly-half), Luka Begic (Biarritz – hooker), Simão Bento (Colomiers – fullback), Raffaele Storti (Grenoble – wing) and Maixent da Costa (Montauban – hooker).

TONGA

Biggest arrival: Malakai Fekitoa (AS BBéziers. A new era for BBéziersapproaches, and Malakai Fekitoa will take the lead, as the Tongan centre has the potential to hammer down any and every opposition.
Main departure: Anzelo Tuitavuki (Colomiers to Dragons).
Note: A dozen Tongans are set to take the field in the Pro D2 this season, adding further Pacific Island flair to the division: Otonuku Jr Pauta (FC Grenoble – loose forward), David Lolohea (US Dax – prop), Taniela Matakaiongo (Agen – lock), Viliami Taulani (Aurillac – back-row), Phil Kité (Colomiers – prop), Ofa Manuofetoa (Aurillac – centre), Tomasi Fineanganofo (SU Agen – back-row), Sione Vailanu (Biarritz – Glasgow), Viliami Fine (Colomiers – wing), Malakai Fekitoa (AS BBéziers– centre), Vaea Fifita (Montauban – lock) and Vaiolini Ekuasi (Montauban – back-row).

URUGUAY

Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: Baltazar Amaya (AS BBéziersto unattached).
Note: Los Teros will have only Manuel Leidekar as their representative in the ProD2.

SPAIN

Biggest arrival: Lucien Richardis (SU Agen). Lucien Richard joins Agen on a one-year loan from Toulouse, with the promising youngster hoping to gain valuable experience in France’s second tier.
Main departure: Asier Usarraga (CA Brive to Stade Montois).
Note: Spain contingent has downsized from 14 to ten representatives due to a few retirements and exits to the Nationale and Nationale 2. Pablo Bouza will keep a close eye on these nine players throughout the season: Hugo Pirlet (Biarritz – prop), Ekain Imaz (Biarritz Olympique – loose forward), Kerman Aurrekoetxea (Biarritz Olympique – scrum-half), Lucien Richardis (SU Agen – utility back), Charly Malié (AS Béziers-Hérault – fly-half), Brice Ferrer (US Dax – loose forward), Alberto Carmona (Colomiers – centre), Martin Alonso (Colomiers – wing), Fred Quércy (Montauban – back-row) and Luca Tabarot (SU Agen – prop).

USA

Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: As Perry Mayo has become a full-fledged member of the Eagles, USA now has four representatives in the ProD2, namely Kapeli Pifeleti (Provence – hooker), Ranger van Eerten (Provence – lock), and Nafi Ma’afu (Montauban – lock).

ROMANIA

Biggest arrival: Stefan Buruiana (Narbonne). The 23-year-old will have another shot at the ProD2, as Narbonne added the hooker to their roster for the next two years.
Main departure: Taylor Gontineac (AS Béziers to Castres).
Note: Romania was one of the few nations having an increase in their player quota going from five to six: Thomas Cretu (Narbonne – prop), Antonio Mitrea (Aurillac – centre), Stefan Buruiana (Narbonne – hooker), Adrian Motoc (Nissa – lock), Atila Septar (Nissa – centre) and Adrian Mitu (SAXV – back-row) being those.

CANADA

Biggest arrival: Tyler Ardon (Provence). The magnanimous Tyler Ardon will undoubtedly strengthen Provence’s set-piece, while gifting a formidable weapon of destruction at the breakdown.
Main departure: None.
Note: Tyler Ardon (Provence – utility forward), Matt Beuekeboom (SAXV – lock) and Evan Olmstead (Nissa – lock) are the three Canadians that will feature in this year’s ProD2.

CHILE

Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Iñaki Ayarza (Oyonnax – centre) and Javier Eissmann (SU Agen – lock) will carry the Condóres flag into this year’s ProD2.

ZIMBABWE

Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Jason Fraser (US Nevers) and Farai Mudariki (Nice) headline Zimbabwe’s contingent in the Pro D2, with both players expected to feature regularly throughout the campaign.