The 17 UK and Irish players chasing Pro D2 play-off glory

Can you hear it? The bell ringing in the Pro D2 knockout stages? Yes, we’ve reached that time of year again, as fans of the six remaining contenders steel themselves for a heady mix of stress, anxiety, hope and expectation.

FC Grenoble, CA Brive, US Colomiers, Provence Rugby, Soyaux-Angoulême XV and US Montauban are set for a fierce battle to lift the trophy and earn their ticket to the promised land: the Top 14.

The action kicks off this Thursday with Provence hosting Soyaux-Angoulême at Stade Maurice David, while Colomiers welcome Montauban to the Michel-Bendichou. The winners will progress to the semi-finals, where FC Grenoble and CA Brive lie in wait.

But enough scene-setting—who are the Home Nations players featuring in the fight for Pro D2 glory?

FC GRENOBLE
Former Ospreys, Dragons and Wales international Sam Davies has firmly established himself as the king of the Alps, thanks to a metronomic boot that has racked up 219 points this season. His contributions were instrumental in Grenoble finishing top of the regular season standings.

The fly-half has been pivotal in Grenoble’s resurgence, landing crucial conversions and drop goals as they chase their Top 14 dream. It’s arguably been his best season since arriving in France, and he enters the knockout rounds in top form.

Pierce Phillips, the only other Home Nations player at Grenoble, has also impressed. The English lock, formerly with Edinburgh, has brought steel to the engine room, particularly with his defensive work rate.

CA BRIVE
When Courtney Lawes signed for Brive, some cynics suggested the former England captain was heading to France for a gentle swansong. They couldn’t have been more wrong.

Lawes has delivered in spades, racking up 20 turnovers, 141 tackles, 31 lineout steals and even a try. He’s not only silenced doubters but also become a fan favourite and captain of the side.

He’s joined by a trio of fellow Home Nations players: Wales back row Ross Moriarty, Ireland utility back Stuart Olding, and Scotland centre Sam Johnson. All have been influential in Brive’s second-place finish, although Moriarty and Johnson will move on at season’s end.

COLOMIERS
Fly-half Brett Herron may have flown under the radar during spells with Ulster and Harlequins, but since joining Colomiers in 2023, he’s found his rhythm.

Despite injury setbacks this season, the former England U20s playmaker has proven a reliable kicking option and an assured game manager. He’ll be a key figure if Colomiers are to progress further.

PROVENCE
Several Home Nations stalwarts have found a home in Provence, with former England flanker Teimana Harrison leading the charge. The ex-Northampton Saint has been a defensive machine this season, registering 353 tackles—the most in the league.

Wales duo George North and Tomas Francis have also made their presence felt. North, used largely at centre, has dotted down twice in under ten appearances and has averaged a linebreak per game since arriving.

Both North and Francis are expected to feature prominently in Provence’s quarter-final against Soyaux-Angoulême.

SOYAUX-ANGOULÊME
Scottish-qualified livewire Alex Masibaka has emerged as one of Pro D2’s breakout stars this season. The dynamic back has racked up 1,630 metres and 10 tries in what has been a career-best campaign.

Former England winger Jonny May has also enjoyed a productive year, scoring five tries and bringing experience to a backline full of ambition.

Ireland’s Eoghan Barrett and lock Matthew Dalton have played supporting roles in what is a historic campaign for SAXV—their first appearance in the Pro D2 playoffs.

Masibaka and May are expected to start against Provence, with Barrett pushing for a spot on the bench.

MONTAUBAN
Veteran lock Lewis Bean, who has previously represented Northampton Saints, Bedford Blues and Glasgow Warriors, has brought physicality and set-piece nous to Montauban’s pack despite an injury-hit season that limited him to 11 starts.

Irish flanker Frank Bradshaw Ryan and English back-row Karl Wilkins round out the Home Nations contingent at Stade Sapiac, both contributing to the club’s surprise qualification for the knockout stages.