Bernard Laporte's Montpellier are taking a growing trend in French rugby to the extreme by loaning out nearly one-fifth of their side to other clubs next season.
Three matches are scheduled for Athlone: Ireland-Australia (2pm local time), France-Wales (4:30pm) and South Africa-England (7pm). Over in Stellenbosch, it’s Argentina-Fiji (2pm), Georgia-Italy (4:30pm) and New Zealand-Spain (7pm).
The arrival of Stade Toulousain back-row Mathis Castro-Ferreira has shaken up the 23-man Bleuets squad that will face New Zealand.
The Spanish have the honour of opening the pool the DHL Stadium this Saturday, taking on a French team that didn’t fire on all cylinders in a Six Nations campaign that only merited third place.
With Sale’s Rob Webber on board as new Jersey forwards coach, Harvey Biljon has unveiled an influx of new signings at the Championship club.
The Champions Cup final may be the main course for rugby fans this weekend, but French sides Clermont and La Rochelle will first be serving up a delectable entrée on Friday night at Newcastle.
Which French clubs have been busy recruiting players ahead of the new Top 14 season? James Harrington checks out the key deals club by club