While Vannes and Perpignan battle to avoid the drop, Stade Français and Racing 92 are also scrapping for survival.
The U20 World Championship-winning lock on his life in Paris, Henry Pollock and learning from the 'big dogs'
PRO D2 club Provence are reportedly interested in bolstering their pack with two players who have huge Gallagher Premiership experience, Northampton back-rower Teimana Harrison and ex-Harlequins lock Tevita Cavubati who is currently at Perpignan.
Forty per cent of coaches in charge at the 40 elite European clubs are aged between 47 and 51, but 68-year-old Alan Solomons is showing at Worcester there still a role for a more elderly boss.
Doping in rugby is forever a controversial subject but one self-confessed drug user has now passed away at the age of 41, a tragedy that should serve as a warning to others.
A round-up of the top performers from Round 3 of the Heineken Champions Cup, with heavy contributions from Glasgow Warriors, Ulster and Toulouse, following their impressive away wins this weekend.
Budgets, players to watch, arrivals and departures - and an overview of each club at the start of the new season. Welcome to the Rugby Pass club-by-club Top 14 season preview