Country by country guide to the Top 14 Foreign Legion

The Top 14’s engines are already purring, and with a new season comes a heavy load of overseas talent ready to take the stage. From lineout emperor Will Skelton to hot-stepping Davit Niniashvili, here’s a look at the Top 14’s foreign legion.

We’ve compiled a list to help readers identify who they are and what to expect. A few bits of context before we get into the names.

The number of foreign players has risen from 213 to 214, assuming the 2024/25 metrics remain unchanged. But while we’ve added a few more nations, the overall tally from the Foreign Legion is actually down by four players.

Fiji lead the way with 29 representatives, followed by England (24) and Argentina (24). Portugal have gone from two to none after Raffaele Storti and Nicolás Martins moved to Grenoble and Colomiers.

USA Perpignan top the list for most overseas players with 23 in their squad – half of them JIFFs. At the other end, Stade Toulousain, despite investing heavily in the foreign espoirs market, have only 11 overseas players.

Three caveats before you read on:

Players born in France but eligible for another nation are only included if already capped by that country.

Espoirs/academy players with fewer than two Top 14 appearances are excluded.

Like the Pro D2 list, this is limited to players from nations already qualified for the World Cup or still chasing a place at Australia 2027. Players from the Netherlands (Niek Doornenbal), Cameroon (Chrisitan Ambadiang) or Moldova (Cristian Ojovan) are not included.

SOUTH AFRICA
Biggest arrival: Jean-Luc du Preez (Union Bordeaux Bègles). After losing Samu, Diaby and Tatafu, UBB needed a replacement and found it in Jean-Luc du Preez, who should bring something different to the Top 14 runners-up.

Main departure: Cobus Reinach (Montpellier to Stormers).
Note: South Africa saw the biggest drop in Top 14 numbers, down from 23 to 16 in a year. Those 16 are: Jeremy Ward (Stade Français – centre), Joe Jonas (Stade Français – fullback), Arno Botha (Lyon – back row), Carlu Sadie (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – prop), Tiaan Jacobs (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – loose forward), Rohan van Rensburg (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – centre), Hacjivah Dayimani (Racing 92 – loose forward), Tristan Tedder (Racing 92 – fullback/fly-half), Nemo Roelofse (USA Perpignan – prop), James Hall (USA Perpignan – scrum-half), Dillyn Leyds (Stade Rochelais – wing/fullback), Herschel Jantjies (Bayonne – scrum-half), Jean-Luc du Preez (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – loose forward), Ru-Hann Greyling (US Montauban – hooker), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (US Montauban – back row) and JT Jackson (US Montauban – centre).

NEW ZEALAND
Biggest arrival: Ricky Riccitelli (Montpellier).
Main departure: Leicester Fainga’anuku (RC Toulon to Crusaders). Toulon will miss the All Black’s physicality and agility after his two seasons in France.
Note: New Zealand’s Top 14 presence is down to 16 – six fewer than last year – with nine capped All Blacks: Feibyan Tukino (Castres – loose forward), Abraham Papili’i (Castres – loose forward), Jack Goodhue (Castres – centre), Brad Webber (Stade Français – scrum-half), Pita Gus Sowakula (ASM Clermont – loose forward), Liam Allen (Lyon – back row), Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon – prop), Josiah Maraku (Lyon – centre), Luke Whitelock (Section Paloise – loose forward), Max Hicks (USA Perpignan – lock), Tawera Kerr Barlow (Stade Français – scrum-half), Ihaia West (Stade Rochelais – fly-half), Ricky Riccitelli (Montpellier – hooker), Harry Plummer (Clermont – utility back), Joey Manu (Racing 92 – centre) and Ma’a Nonu (RC Toulon – centre).

IRELAND
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Ireland have five players in the Top 14 – Paddy Jackson (Lyon – fly-half), Joey Carbery (UBB – fly-half), Ultan Dillane (Stade Rochelais – lock), Karl Martin (Montauban – centre) and Frank Bradshaw (US Montauban – lock).

ENGLAND
Biggest arrival: Nathan Hughes (Racing 92). The former Wasps and Bristol back-rower has signed until 2027, bringing physical edge to a pack that needs it.
Main departure: Owen Farrell (Racing 92 to Saracens).
Note: England have 24 players in the Top 14: Will Collier (Castres – prop), Alexander Moon (Bayonne – lock), Manu Tuilagi (Bayonne – centre), Kyle Sinckler (RC Toulon – prop), David Ribbans (RC Toulon – lock), Lewis Ludlam (RC Toulon – loose forward), Jack Willis (Stade Toulousain – loose forward), Joe Marchant (Stade Français – centre), Joel Kpoku (Section Paloise – lock), Joe Simmonds (Section Paloise – fly-half), Junior Kpoku (Racing 92 – lock), Sam James (Racing 92 – fly-half), Dan Robson (Section Paloise – scrum-half), Kieran Brookes (USA Perpignan – prop), Zach Henry (Stade Français – fly-half), Billy Vunipola (Montpellier – loose forward), Sam Simmonds (Lyon – loose forward), Jack Nowell (Stade Rochelais – wing), Lennox Anyawu (Montpellier – centre), Jonny Hill (Racing 92 – lock), Nathan Hughes (Racing 92 – back row), Zach Mercer (RC Toulon – back row), Lewis Bean (US Montauban – lock) and Karl Wilkins (Montauban – back row).

AUSTRALIA
Biggest arrival: Taniela Tupou (Racing 92). A marquee signing for Racing, the Wallabies tighthead adds a powerful scrummager and ball-carrying threat to the front row.
Main departure: Pete Samu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles to Waratahs).
Note: 20 Australians will feature this season, two more than last year: Will Skelton (Stade Rochelais – lock), Thomas Staniforth (Castres – lock), Reece Hodge (Castres – centre), Folau Fainga’a (ASM Clermont – hooker), Rob Simmons (ASM Clermont – lock), Irae Simone (ASM Clermont – centre), Alex Newsome (ASM Clermont – fullback), Lachlan Swinton (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – loose forward), Reece Hewat (Section Paloise – loose forward), Jack Maddocks (Section Paloise – fullback), Jack McIntyre (USA Perpignan – fly-half), Jordan Uelese (Montpellier – hooker), Silalotu Latu (Stade Rochelais – hooker), Kane Douglas (Stade Rochelais – lock), Joe Powell (US Montauban – scrum-half), Taniela Tupou (Racing 92 – prop), Tom Banks (Montpellier – outside back), Langi Gleeson (Montpellier – back row), Rob Leota (Bayonne – back row) and Suliasi Vunivalu (Stade Rochelais – wing).

ARGENTINA
Biggest arrival: Julián Montoya (Section Paloise). A major coup for Pau, the legendary Pumas hooker will bolster their set-piece and bring ball-carrying and defensive bite.
Main departure: Tomás Lavanini (Lyon to ?).
Note: Argentina have one more player than in 2024, replacing Lavanini, Kodela, Urdapilleta and Petti. The 24 Argentinians are: Facundo Bosch (Bayonne – hooker), Lucas Adler (Bayonne – lock), Rodrigo Bruno (Bayonne – loose forward), Mateo Carreras (Bayonne – wing), Santiago Chocobares (Stade Toulousain – centre), Juan Cruz Mallia (Stade Toulousain – wing), Juan Scelzo (Stade Français – loose forward), Marcos Kremer (ASM Clermont – loose forward), Bautista Delguy (ASM Clermont – wing), Ignacio Calles (Section Paloise – prop), Ignacio Ruiz (USA Perpignan – hooker), Joaquin Oviedo (USA Perpignan – loose forward), Jeronimo de la Fuente (USA Perpignan – fly-half), Domingos Miotti (Montpellier – fly-half), Joel Sclavi (Stade Rochelais – prop), Facundo Isa (Section Paloise – back row), Facundo Pompino (US Montauban – prop), Lucio Sordoni (US Montauban – prop), Tomás Lezana (US Montauban – back row), Segundo Tuculet (US Montauban – outside back), Geronimo Prisciantelli (Racing 92 – fly-half), Julián Montoya (Section Paloise – hooker) and Justo Piccardo (Montpellier – centre).

SCOTLAND
Biggest arrival: Ali Price (Montpellier). Alongside Alex Masibaka, the scrum-half adds experience and tempo to Montpellier’s backline.

Main departure: None.
Note: Scotland’s contingent has grown to eight: Ben White (RC Toulon – scrum-half), Blair Kinghorn (Stade Toulousain – fly-half), Jonny Gray (UBB – lock), Stuart Hogg (Montpellier – fullback), Ewan Johnson (Bayonne – lock), Alex Masibaka (Montpellier – number eight), Ali Price (Montpellier – scrum-half) and Jamie Ritchie (USA Perpignan – back row).

FIJI
Biggest arrival: Iosefo Masi (Lyon). Signed to help offset the loss of Davit Niniashvili, Masi brings pace, power and attacking flair to Lyon’s midfield.
Main departure: Semi Radradra (Lyon to Shizuoka Blues).
Note: Fiji remain the largest foreign delegation in the Top 14 with 29 players: Leone Nakarawa (Castres – lock), Andrea Cocagi (Castres – centre), Vilimoni Botitu (Castres – centre), Luke Tagi (Bayonne – prop), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne – centre), Setariki Tuicuvu (RC Toulon – wing/fullback), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Lyon – wing), Peniasi Dakuwaqa (Stade Français – wing), Peceli Yato (USA Perpignan – loose forward), Sam Matavesi (Lyon – hooker), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Racing 92 – centre), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92 – centre), Wame Naituvi (Racing 92 – wing), Vinaya Habosi (Racing 92 – wing), Taniela Ramasibana (USA Perpignan – loose forward), Eneriko Buliruarua (USA Perpignan – centre), Alvereti Duguivalu (USA Perpignan – centre), Levani Botia (Stade Rochelais – loose forward), Salesi Rayasi (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – wing), Veresa Ramototabua (Castres – back row), Vuate Karawalevu (Castres – wing), Tevita Ratuva (Clermont – lock), Pio Muarua (Clermont – back row), Alivereti Loaloa (Clermont – centre), Semi Lagilava (Stade Rochelais – centre), Iosefo Masi (Lyon – centre), Selestino Ravutaumada (Racing 92 – wing) and Josua Vici (US Montauban – wing).

ITALY
Biggest arrival: Ignacio Brex (RC Toulon – centre). Toulon pulled non-stop in finding a power replacement for Leicester Fainga?anuku, with Italian international Ignacio Brex arriving to give an extra edge to the former Top 14 champions’ backline.
Main departure: None.
Note: Italy’s numbers are unchanged, with nine players in the Top 14: Ange Capuozzo (Stade Toulousain – outside back), Federico Mori (Bayonne – centre), Gianmarco Lucchesi (RC Toulon – hooker), Paolo Garbisi (RC Toulon – fly-half), Giacomo Nicotera (Stade Français – hooker), Martin Page-Relo (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – scrum-half), Monty Ioane (Lyon – wing), Pietro Ceccarelli (USA Perpignan – prop), Juan Ignacio Brex (RC Toulon – centre) and Tommaso Allan (USA Perpignan – fullback/fly-half).

GEORGIA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Davit Niniashvili’s move is one of the biggest intra-Top 14 transfers of the summer, but Georgia’s overall contingent is steady at 23: Levan Chilachava (Castres – prop), Beka Gigashvili (RC Toulon – prop), Giorgi Melikidze (Stade Français – prop), Sergo Abramishvili (Stade Français – prop), Giorgi Akhaladze (ASM Clermont – prop), Irakli Aptsiauri (Lyon – prop), Beka Shvangiradze (Lyon – loose forward), Beka Saghinadze (Lyon – loose forward), Davit Niniashvili (Stade Rochelais – fullback/wing), Lesko Kaulashvili (Section Paloise – prop), Guram Papidze (Section Paloise – prop), Beka Gorgadze (Section Paloise – loose forward), Guram Gogichasvili (Racing 92 – prop), Gia Kharaishvili (Racing 92 – prop), Giorgi Tetrashvili (USA Perpignan – prop), Gela Aprasidze (USA Perpignan – scrum-half), Nika Abuladze (Montpellier – prop), Luka Japaridze (Montpellier – prop), Aleksandre Kuntelia (Stade Rochelais – prop), Giorgi Dzmanashvili (Clermont – prop), Nikoloz Narmania (RC Toulon – prop), Luka Azariashvili (US Montauban – prop) and Nugzar Somkhishvili (US Montauban – prop).

WALES
Biggest arrival: Adam Beard (Montpellier). The lock’s arrival should strengthen Montpellier’s lineout and maul as they push for a top-six spot.
Main departure: Dan Biggar (retired).
Note: With Biggar’s retirement, Wales will be represented by Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – lock), Adam Beard (Montpellier – lock), Gareth Anscombe (Bayonne – fly-half) and Carwyn Tuipulotu (Section Paloise – back row).

SAMOA
Biggest arrival: Sam Malolo (USA Perpignan – hooker).
Main departure: Fritz Lee (retired). The Clermont legend bows out after 240 games and 13 seasons, with a Top 14 and Challenge Cup to his name.
Note: Samoa have 11 players in the Top 14: Brian Alainu’uese (RC Toulon – lock), Duncan Paia’aua (RC Toulon – centre), Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français – prop), Moses Alo-Emile (Stade Français – prop), Tumua Manu (Section Paloise – centre), Seilala Lam (USA Perpignan – hooker), UJ Seuteni (Stade Rochelais – centre), Sam Malolo (USA Perpignan – hooker), Iakopo Mapu (Stade Français – back row), Michael Ala’alatoa (Clermont – prop) and Giovanni Habel-Kuffner (Bayonne – back row).

JAPAN
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: Tevita Tatafu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles to Sungoliath).
Note: Naoto Saito (Stade Toulousain – scrum-half) is the only Japanese player in the Top 14 after Tatafu’s departure.

SPAIN
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: Guillaume Rouet (Bayonne to Nissa).
Note: Spain’s representation is up to seven: Manex Ariceta (Bayonne – loose forward), Samuel Ezeala (Stade Français – wing), Jon Zabala (Section Paloise – prop), Alvaro Garcia (Stade Français – hooker), Lucien Richardis (Stade Toulousain – utility back), Fred Quércy (US Montauban – back row) and Joel Merkler (Stade Toulousain – prop).

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: David Ainu’u (Stade Toulousain – prop) remains the USA’s only Top 14 player.

URUGUAY
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Santiago Arata (Castres – scrum-half) is the only Uruguayan in the Top 14.

TONGA
Biggest arrival: Vaea Fifita (US Montauban). The 33-year-old forward brings set-piece expertise and ball skills to the newly promoted side.
Main departure: Feao Fotuaika (Lyon to Brumbies).
Note: Tonga’s contingent has dropped from 13 to nine: Pita Ahki (Stade Toulousain – centre), Tanginoa Halaifonua (Stade Français – loose forward), George Moala (ASM Clermont – centre), Ben Tameifuna (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – prop), Tomakino Taufa (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – prop), Adam Coleman (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – lock), Siate Tokolahi (Section Paloise – prop), Livai Tikoipau (USA Perpignan – prop) and Vaea Fifita (US Montauban – utility forward).

CHILE
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Diego Escobar (Racing 92 – hooker) is the only Chilean in the Top 14.

ROMANIA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Lukas Mitu (Castres – hooker) is Romania’s sole representative and could move to Pro D2 before the window closes.

BELGIUM
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Matias Remue (Stade Toulousain – back row) is the only Belgian in the Top 14, having debuted last season.

CANADA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: Tyler Ardron (Castres – back row) has been a key figure since arriving in 2020.

NAMIBIA
Biggest arrival: None.
Main departure: None.
Note: With Montauban’s promotion, lock Tjiuee Uanivi becomes Namibia’s sole Top 14 representative.

The opinion of the Top 14 expert
We challenged James Harrington to pick the best overseas signing of the season, the most underrated one and the one that a club badly needed to make before the season start.

Best signing of the season: Zach Mercer (RC Toulon). He arrived at Toulon after a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury and plenty to prove – to himself and Steve Borthwick. If he can conjour up the form he showed in Toulon, he’ll be massive at Mayol. Intriguingly, Toulon are at Montpellier first up. An honourable mention, too, for Adam Beard, who could be in the Montpellier squad for that match at the Septeo.

Most underrated signing: Vuate Karawalevu (Castres). Castres could have done it again. No one seems to be talking much about the cross-code Fiji international. That silence may not last long, if he finds his feet in a squad that also boasts Vilimoni Botitu, Adrea Cocagi and Leone Nakarawa.

The signing that a certain team was dearly missing: Geronimo Prisciantelli (Racing 92). You’d think that Felipe Contepomi has a decent idea of what makes a good fly-half. He called up Prisciantelli to the Argentina squad for the July Tests v England. Though he didn’t make a matchday squad, it’s clear Contepomi has seen something worth taking a closer look. Racing, meanwhile, desperately needed fly-halves after Owen Farrell, Tristan Tedder and Dan Lancaster left. Prisciantelli and Aurillac’s Ugo Seunes are a break from the star-position norms, but both have it in them to become bright lights in the Racing firmament.