Former Scotland star and 2 ex-Leinster players among Pro D2 free agents list

With the 2024/25 Pro D2 season drawing to a close, clubs have begun announcing contract extensions and departures as they look to reshape squads ahead of next season. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the standout free agents currently on the market.

FC Grenoble
Top free agent: Pierce Phillips

The 32-year-old lock will make his final appearances for Grenoble in the coming weeks, but won’t be extending his stay. After two solid seasons with the Alpine club, Phillips has been allowed to explore new opportunities — despite his experience and set-piece expertise playing a major role in Grenoble’s playoff push.

He previously played for Edinburgh, the Jersey Reds and Worcester Warriors, and a return to the British Isles may be on the cards.

Also out of contract: Brandon Nansen (Samoa, 31, flanker), Kélian Boissier (France, 29, scrum-half)

CA Brive
Top free agent: Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco

The former Sunwolves and Waratahs back rower has concluded his two-year stint with Brive and is expected to move on, with rumours already swirling. The Australian-born powerhouse featured in 30 matches, scored six tries and ranked among the club’s most effective tacklers.

Also out of contract: Wesley Tapueluelu (Tonga, 25, prop), Issam Hamel (France, 28, hooker), Sam Johnson (Scotland, 32, centre), Timilai Rokoduru (Fiji, 32, wing)

US Colomiers
Top free agent: Jack Whetton

Veteran utility forward Jack Whetton has said his goodbyes to Colomiers and is now available. The 32-year-old bounced back well from an injury-disrupted 2023/24 campaign and may yet attract another Pro D2 club. Known for his physicality, Whetton first arrived in France with Castres in 2021 before moving to Colomiers a year later.

Aix-en-Provence
Top free agent: Jimmy Gopperth

At 42, Jimmy Gopperth is still defying expectations. The former Newcastle, Leinster and Wasps playmaker has confirmed his desire to continue playing after helping Provence reach back-to-back Pro D2 semi-finals. With 285 points from 51 appearances, Gopperth remains a valuable asset.

Also out of contract: Enrique Pieretto (Argentina, 30, prop), Paul Mallez (France, 24, prop)

Soyaux-Angoulême
Top free agent: François Mey

Italy’s François Mey featured only briefly for SAXV, but showed enough promise to suggest he could succeed in the Pro D2 — or even the URC. The 22-year-old centre averaged two clean breaks per game and showed a sharp eye for the tryline. A potential bargain pickup.

Also out of contract: Sami Zouhair (France, 26, prop), Ben Botica (New Zealand, 35, fly-half), George Tilsley (New Zealand, 33, centre), Eoghan Barrett (Ireland, 26, wing)

Valence Romans
Top free agent: George Worth

George Worth’s time in France may be over. The former Leicester Tigers and Ampthill back has parted ways with Valence Romans after a season with limited game time. If fit, the 29-year-old remains a composed and reliable option in the back three.

Also out of contract: Otar Giorgadze (Georgia, 29, back row), Gauthier Minguillon (Spain, 29, outside back)

Biarritz Olympique
Top free agent: Luteru Tolai

Former Super Rugby hooker Luteru Tolai is now seeking a new challenge after an underwhelming spell at Biarritz, where he featured in just 21 games over two years. The Samoa international still offers solid set-piece credentials and could prove a smart signing for a Premiership or Pro D2 club.

Also out of contract: Robin McClintock (Scotland, 23, centre), François Vergnaud (France, 27, centre)

US Nevers
Top free agent: Paula Walisoliso

A Fiji 7s international, Paula Walisoliso is reportedly close to signing with another Pro D2 club — but a move to the UK or Ireland remains possible. Known for his offloading game, the 28-year-old centre brings creativity honed in the HSBC World Series.

Also out of contract: Farai Mudariki (Zimbabwe, 30, prop), Senio Toleafoa (Samoa, 31, lock), Lasha Jaiani (Georgia, 27, lock)

US Oyonnax
Top free agent: Oli Kebble

The surprise release of loosehead prop Oli Kebble has raised eyebrows. The Scotland international played 17 matches in a difficult season for Oyonnax but remained one of the side’s most consistent performers. His strong finish to the campaign will not have gone unnoticed.

Also out of contract: Jimmy Benzaïm (France, 22, prop), Ignacio Piñeiro (Spain, 22, lock), Lorenzo Nanni (Italy, 21, centre)

Stade Montois
Top free agent: Patricio Fernández

The 31-year-old Argentine playmaker is moving on from Mont-de-Marsan but is expected to stay in France. With experience at Perpignan, Clermont and Lyon, Fernández is a seasoned campaigner. He ended the season with three tries and six assists — decent numbers despite not being a regular starter.

Also out of contract: Harison Mataele (Tonga, 31, lock), Aston Fortuin (South Africa, 29, lock), Michael Faleafa (Tonga, 33, back row)

US Agen
Top free agent: Billy Searle

Billy Searle is now out of contract after Agen opted not to renew the 30-year-old’s deal — a surprise move given his 117 points were crucial in the club’s survival. Whether he stays in France or heads back to the Premiership, Searle’s skillset will appeal.

Also out of contract: Fotu Lokotui (Tonga, 33, back row), Henry Purdy (England, 31, wing), Théo Idjellidaine (France, 24, scrum-half)

Stade Niçois
Top free agent: Tom Daly

Irish centre Tom Daly is attracting interest from several Pro D2 sides after a strong showing with Nice. The 31-year-old added pace and control to the Côte d’Azur club’s backline and is expected to remain in France.

Also out of contract: Tom Ross (Australia, 27, prop), Christiaan Erasmus (South Africa, 29, wing), David Odiete (Italy, 32, full-back)