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Top 14 Foreign Legion: All 213 overseas players by club and country
By Ian Cameron
In just a few days another season of the Top 14 kicks off with the likes of Owen Farrell, Siya Kolisi, Josua Tuisova and Davit Niniashvili among the overseas players ready to make the headlines and wrestle for the title.
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For 2024/2025 213 overseas athletes have been enlisted, with USA Perpignan occupying the number one spot with twenty–three, while Stade Toulousain and Union Bordeaux–Bègles are in joint–last with thirteen non–French personnel.
As expected, Fiji is the main supplier with the Pacific Island nation contributing with 26 players – Bordeaux is the only team not to have a senior Fijian player, but this might change if Tevita Sabola debuts in the following months.
South Africa and Argentina, with 23, take up joint second place on the podium. England has increased their numbers for the new season, with twelve new English signings joining the French club’s top division.
Here’s the full player list by nation and club:
Caveat: players born in France and eligible to play for another nation only count if they are already capped for that nation.
Caveat nº2: espoirs/academy players that haven’t played more than a single game for a Pro D2 side are not listed.
SOUTH AFRICA
With Siya Kolisi seemingly staying in the Top 14, the Springboks captain is the main South African star and will have a second chance to shut down any doubts about his quality as a club player.
The loose forward is accompanied by an extra of 22 South Africans: Pieter Scholtz (Aviron Bayonnais – fly half), Uzair Cassiem (Aviron Bayonnais – loose forward), Juan van der Mescht (Stade Français – lock), Jeremy Ward (Stade Français – centre), Joe Jonas (Stade Français – fullback), Carlu Sadie (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – prop), Tiaan Jacobs (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – loose forward), Rohan van Rensburg (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – centre), Lee–Marvin Maziuko (Racing 92 – prop), Siya Kolisi (Racing 92 – loose forward), Hacjivah Dayimani (Racing 92 – loose forward), Tristan Tedder (Racing 92 – fullback / fly half), Nemo Roelofse (USA Perpignan – prop), Marvie Orie (USA Perpignan – lock), Jacobus van Tonder (USA Perpignan – loose forward), James Hall (USA Perpignan – scrum half), Nicolaas van Rensburg (Montpellier HRSC – lock), Jacob Reinach (Montpellier HRSC – scrum half), Ryan Louwrens (Montpellier HRSC – scrum half), Jan Serfontein (Montpellier HRSC – centre), Raymond Rhule (Stade Rochellais – wing) and Dillyn Leyds (Stade Rochellais – wing / fullback).
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IRELAND
Joey Carbery is one of the three Irish competing in the Top 14, joining Ultan Dillane (Stade Rochellais – lock) and Paddy Jackson (Lyon OU – fly half), with the ex-Munster fly-half signing with Union Bordeaux-Bègles for the next two seasons.
NEW ZEALAND
Leicester Fainga’anuku’s first season abroad was met with tries galore, as the former Crusaders finished with nine, making him one of the most prolific New Zealanders in the league:
A total of 22 players from the land of the silver fern will feature in a French club in 24/25: Feibyan Tukino (Castres – loose forward), Abraham Papili’i (Castres – loose forward), Jack Goodhue (Castres – centre), Nepo Laulala (Stade Toulousain – prop), Brad Webber (Stade Français – scrum half), Pit-Gus Sowakula (ASM Clermont – loose forward), Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon OU – prop), Fletcher Smith (Lyon OU – fly half), Josiah Maraku (Lyon OU – centre), Luke Whitelock (Section Paloise – loose forward), Max Hicks (USA Perpignan – lock), George Bridge (Montpellier HRSC – wing), Josh Moorby (Montpellier HRSC – fullback), Tawera Kerr Barlow (Stade Rochellais – scrum half), Ihaia West (Stade Rochellais – fly half), Pat Leafa (Vannes – hooker), Joe Edwards (Castres – scrum half), Michael Ruru (Vannes – scrum half), Francis Saili (Vannes – centre) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes – wing).
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ENGLAND
Owen Farrell. A living legend of the Red Roses, England’s skipper moved to Paris to play for Racing 92 in what could turn out to be a brilliant signing if he brings his A-game to the French capital.
Farrell joins 21 other Englishmen: Will Collier (Castres – prop), Alexander Moon (Aviron Bayonnais – lock), Manu Tuilagi (Aviron Bayonnais – 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), Harry Williams (Section Paloise – prop), Joel Kpoku (Section Paloise – lock), Joe Simmonds (Section Paloise – fly half), Junior Kpoku (Racing 92 – lock), Owen Farrell (Racing 92 – fly half), Sam James (Racing 92 – fly half), Dan Lancaster (Racing 92 – centre), Henry Arundell (Racing 92 – wing/fullback), Kieran Brookes (USA Perpignan – prop), Alistair Crossdale (USA Perpignan – wing), Billy Vunipola (Montpellier HRSC – loose forward), Sam Simmonds (Montpellier HRSC – loose forward), Jack Nowell (Stade Rochellais – wing) and Mako Vunipola (Vannes – prop).
ARGENTINA
Facundo Isa is one of the 23 Argentinians who have made the Top 14 their second home. The No.8 has been a huge star for RC Toulon since he arrived in the club in 2017 and has shared the desire to hold high a Top 14 trophy.
23 Argentinians will play a part in this year’s Top 14, with all but one capped for Los Pumas: Facundo Bosch (Aviron Bayonnais – hooker), Lucas Adler (Aviron Bayonnais – lock), Rodrigo Bruno (Aviron Bayonnais – loose forward), Mateo Carreras (Aviron Bayonnais – wing), Santiago Chocobares (Stade Toulousain – centre), Juan Cruz Mallia (Stade Toulousain – wing), Francisco Kodela (Stade Français – prop), Juan Scelzo (Stade Français – loose forward), Marcos Kremer (ASM Clermont – loose forward), Benjamin Urdapilleta (ASM Clermont – fly half), Bautista Delguy (ASM Clermont – wing), Guido Petti (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – lock), Tomas Lavanini (Lyon OU – lock), 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 HRSC – fly half), Joel Sclavi (Stade Rochellais – prop), Santiago Medrano (Vannes – prop), Francisco Gorrisen (Vannes – loose forward) and Juan Pedemonte (Vannes – loose forward).
SCOTLAND
Another Gray heads to France, as Jonny joins the UBB for one season and will be looking to help his new team finally conquer the Top 14. If he is successful, both siblings will have written down their names in the gallery of the Top 14 champions.
Ben White (RC Toulon – scrum-half), Blair Kinghorn (Stade Toulousain – fly half) and Stuart Hogg (Montpellier HRSC – fullback) are the other three Scots enlisted for the Top 14 rumble.
ITALY
Stade Toulousain’s Ange Capuozzo leads the Italian charge in the Top 14 and becomes one of the most successful Azzurri in the competition. The Italian outside back is ready to shine for a third straight season, with his eyes set on winning a third Top 14.
Italy is represented by Capuozzo and nine extra Italians: Federico Mori (Aviron Bayonnais – centre), Gianmarco Lucchesi (RC Toulon – hooker), Paolo Garbisi (RC Toulon – fly half), Giacomo Nicotera (Stade Français – hooker), François Mei (ASM Clermont – wing/fullback), Martin Page-Relo (Lyon OU – scrum-half), Monty Ioane (Lyon OU – wing), Pietro Ceccarelli (USA Perpignan – prop) and Tommaso Allan (USA Perpignan – fullback / fly half).
AUSTRALIA
Will Skelton has established himself as a fierce enforcer who rules with an iron fist since he joined Ronan O’Gara’s Stade Rochellais, but the Bouclier de Brennus still eludes him. Will 2025 finally be their year?
The Australian delegation has been expanding for the last couple of years, and in 2024 18 players will be playing in the Top 14: Thomas Staniforth (Castres – lock), Reece Hodge (Castres – centre), Malachi Hawkes (Stade Toulousain – prop), Richie Arnold (Stade Toulousain – lock), 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), Pete Samu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – loose forward), Ben Tapuai (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – centre), Reece Hewat (Section Paloise – loose forward), Jack Maddocks (Section Paloise – fullback), Jack McIntyre (USA Perpignan – fly-half), Jordan Uelese (Montpellier HRSC – hooker), Silalotu Latu (Stade Rochellais – hooker) and Kane Douglas (Stade Rochellais – lock).
FIJI
Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra and Levani Botia are among the biggest Fijian names to have shined bright in the Top 14. What is certain is how vital the Fijians have become for one of the main club competitions of the world, with no shortage of talent.
A total of 27 Fijians will be delivering the fireworks in this year’s Top 14: Leone Nakarawa (Castres – lock), Andrea Cocagi (Castres – centre), Vilimoni Botittu (Castres – centre), Josaia Raisuqe (Castres – wing), Osea Waqaninavatu (Castres – wing), Luke Tagi (Aviron Bayonnais – prop), Sireli Maqala (Aviron Bayonnais – centre), Setariki Tuicuvu (RC Toulon – wing / fullback), Jiuta Waniqolo (RC Toulon – wing), Setareki Bituniyata (Stade Toulousain – wing), Peniasi Dakuwaqa (Stade Français – wing), Peceli Yato (ASM Clermont – loose forward), Sam Matavesi (Lyon OU – hooker), Semi Radradra (Lyon OU – centre), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Section Paloise – 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), Apisai Naqalevu (USA Perpignan – centre), Alvereti Duguivalu (USA Perpignan – centre), Christa Powell (Montpellier HRSC – centre), Levani Botia (Stade Rochellais – loose forward), Kitione Kamikamica (Vannes – loose forward) and Filipo Nakosi (Vannes – wing).
WALES
Dan Biggar (RC Toulon – fly half) and Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – lock) stayed for another season despite rumours that both had offers to return to the UK.
GEORGIA
From the 22 Georgians listed in the Top 14, a whopping 14 are props, which shows how their scrummaging excellence has become a feature of the league. Davit Niniashvili and Gela Aprasdize are the only backline units to have earned their place in the Top 14.
Here is the Georgian Top 14 roster: Levan Chilachava (Castres – prop), Beka Gigashvili (RC Toulon – prop), Giorgi Melikidze (Stade Français – prop), Sergo Abramishvili (Stade Français – prop), Luka Petriashvili (Stade Français – hooker), Giorgi Akhaladze (ASM Clermont – prop), Irakli Aptsiauri (Lyon OU – prop), Beka Shvangiradze (Lyon OU – loose forward), Beka Saghinadze (Lyon OU – loose forward), Davit Niniashvili (Lyon OU – 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), Vakhtang Jintcharadze (USA Perpignan – hooker), Gela Aprasidze (USA Perpignan – scrum half), Nika Abuladze (Montpellier HRSC – prop), Luka Japaridze (Montpellier HRSC – prop), Vano Karkadze (Montpellier HRSC – hooker) and Aleksandre Kuntelia (Stade Rochellais – prop).
SAMOA
Samoan bulldozer Michael Ala’alatoa accepted the challenge set by ASM Clermont to boost the former Top 14 champions’ scrum to a new level.
Samoa will be represented by eleven players in the upcoming season: Giovanni Habel-Kuffner (Aviron Bayonnais – loose forward), Brian Alainu’uese (RC Toulon – lock), Duncan Paia’aua (RC Toulon – centre), Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français – prop), Moses Alo-Emile (Stade Français – prop), Fritz Lee (ASM Clermont – loose forward), Tumua Manu (Section Paloise – centre), Seilala Lam (USA Perpignan – hooker), So’otala Fa’aso’o (USA Perpignan – loose forward) and UJ Seuteni (Stade Rochellais – centre).
Note: Habel-Kuffner also possesses a German passport and is rumoured to play for the Schwarze Addler in the next Test Match window.
JAPAN
The Brave Blossoms have increased their representation by one, with scrum-half Naoto Saito signing with the Top 14 champions, Stade Toulousain, joining Tevita Tatafu (Union Bordeaux-Bègles – loose forward) in France.
PORTUGAL
Raffaele Storti (Stade Français – wing) and Nicolás Martins (Montpellier HRSC – loose forward) are the only two Portuguese players who will get a chance to show their showmanship in the Top 14.
TONGA
It will be hard to envision a Top 14 without Ben Tameifuna, but for now, the prop will keep turning up the heat in the scrum for the Union Bordeaux-Bègles at least until 2026.
Thirteen Tongans will be playing in the 24/25 Top 14: Tevita Tatafu (Aviron Bayonnais – prop), Veikoso Poloniati (Aviron Bayonnais – lock), 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), Feao Fotuaika (Lyon OU – prop), Siate Tokolahi (Section Paloise – prop), Livai Tikoipau (USA Perpignan – prop), Phil Kite (Vannes – prop) and Sione Kalamafoni (Vannes – loose forward).
URUGUAY
Santiago Arata renewed with Castres extending his stay in France until 2026, not a surprise when he is considered one of the best scrum halves in the Top 14.
SPAIN
Joel Merkler played a minor role in Stade Toulousain’s title run with the club extending the prop’s stay, a massive win for Spain when is fighting to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Besides the front-rower, there are an additional six Spanish players in the Top 14: Daniel Catanzaro (Castres – centre), Manex Ariceta (Aviron Bayonnais – loose forward), Guillaume Rouet (Aviron Bayonnais – scrum-half), Samuel Ezeala (Stade Français – wing), Jon Zabala (Section Paloise – prop) and Martin Alonso (Vannes – wing).
USA
Prop David Ainu’u is the only Eagles representative, having played for Stade Toulousain since 2018.
ROMANIA
Hooker Stefan Buruiana is the only Romanian to remain in the Top 14 and will be interesting to see if he can become a regular in the matchday squad.
As like the Pro D2, there are players from different nations not listed here due to their World Rugby ranking placement. Germany, Cameroon, Chile (Diego Escobar), Congo (Madosh Tambwe), Canada (Tyler Ardon for example), Moldova, Russia and Namíbia are some of the other nations to be involved in the Top 14.
