Rudi Wulf was set to retire at the end of the current Top 14 season but the Toulon veteran will instead drop down three divisions.
Ambushed by Saracens at home in September, Leinster have named the team they hope can make Champions Cup amends versus Toulon.
Follow all the action on the RugbyPass live blog from the Heineken Champions Cup match between Lyon and Leinster at Matmut Stade de Gerland.
81 Kiwis took part in the weekend's northern hemisphere action, including former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino who now plies his trade with Toulouse.
Simon Berghan and Edinburgh are sitting pretty at the top of Pool 5 in the European Champions Cup.
The Kiwi influence at Lyon is still palpable as that club makes its way up the French Top 14 table.
Brad Shields’ Gallagher Premiership debut has ended in a broken cheekbone which now threatens his involvement in the November test series, including a possible match-up with the All Blacks.
The Guinness PRO14 season is underway, and already the heavy New Zealand influence is evident.
La Rochelle’s supporters have cause to dream after what was described as a “masterclass” in their 49-29 defeat of Wasps.