In addition to more familiar names like AJ MacGinty, Cam Dolan, and David Ainu'u, former Germany international Chris Hilsenbeck has been included in the USA's extended player squad for 2025 when 2027 World Cup qualification is on the line.
Stade Toulousain kept their title defence rolling with a crushing -- victory over the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park. Spearheaded by Antoine Dupont, the Top 14 side overpowered their hosts in the physical exchanges and ran riot in open play.
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.
Toulouse have ruled out the use of a medical joker after they revealed that France prop Cyril Baille will be sidelined, possibly until the new year, with an adductor injury.
The USA Eagles have named their team to take on the All Blacks at FedEx Field in Washington DC this weekend.
The La Rochelle and Toulouse teams have been named for this Saturday's all-French Champions Cup showpiece final at Twickenham.
Not since the World Cup final in Yokohama in November 2019 have the Springboks played but they now have their pre-Lions tour opposition.
With the Rugby World Cup in Japan proving to be a major success as the first non-T1-hosted tournament, would taking the 2027 RWC to the USA be a good move?