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France stars Maestri and Fickou swap Toulouse for Top 14 rivals


Yoann Maestri (L) and Gael Fickou (R) have joined Stade Francais from Toulouse
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Stade Francais have completed the signings of France internationals Yoann Maestri and Gael Fickou from Toulouse.

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Lock Maestri has agreed a four-year contract with Stade, while centre Fickou is tied to the club until the end of the 2022-23 season.

The duo have been named in Jacques Brunel’s France squad for the tour to New Zealand in June.

Stade president Hubert Patricot said: “We are very proud of these signings. Yoann is a worker, he is a player who will bring all his experience of major event.

“Gael is young but he also has international experience. He will continue to grow with our project and will be able to display all his talent with us.

“Both are totally committed to the philosophy of play we want to develop here and the ambition [chairman] Hans-Peter Wild has for Stade Francais.”

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Maestri has made 59 appearances for Les Bleus, while Fickou has featured in 35 Tests.

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Stade last Friday revealed former South Africa international Morne Steyn agreed a one-year contract extension with an option for a further year.

The Top 14 club narrowly avoided a relegation play-off and only finished six points clear of bottom side Brive.

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Phantom 47 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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