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 making the numbers of the overseas players ready to make the headlines and wrestle for the title.
Former Ireland midfielder Chris Farrell has secured a contract extension at the promotion-chasing Oyonnax, having originally joined the Pro D2 club as a medical joker.
Hansen, the Australian winger who qualifies for Ireland through his Cork-born mother, is wary of genuine superstars in the opposition ranks.
With Montpellier now crowned Top 14 champions, attention turns to the players each side has brought in to better their chances of winning the trophy next season. Newcomers Bayonne have been the busiest in the transfer market, releasing players...
A story about a salary cap investigation was the latest negativity surrounding French big spenders Racing, fuelling owner Jacky Lorenzetti's belief his club has been the object of ostracism since 2009's promotion.
Zack Holmes saw red in Paris but that sending-off won't prevent him from having a role to play against Leinster after a disciplinary hearing reached its verdict.
Rugby in France is in disarray but Sunday's all-French European quarter-final can be the tonic that reminds us that they still have abundant talent and can royally entertain.
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
