Bath’s bid for European and Premiership honours has taken a blow after England flanker Sam Underhill picked up a three-week ban for his red card in the Challenge Cup win in Pau last weekend.
Ex-England boss Stuart Lancaster has pulled off a coup, convincing rising star Henry Arundell to join him in his new project at Racing 92.
England out-half Marcus Smith is set to play his first rugby in seven weeks after being chosen to start for Harlequins this Sunday at Racing 92, the day before new Test-level boss Steve Borthwick names his Guinness Six Nations squad.
Reports have emerged in France that All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape is touted for a Top 14 move but it's the reverse for Dominic Bird.
Fears that virus tests could affect the Racing Champions Cup XV versus Exeter have proven unfounded as they have picked 12 starters who beat Saracens.
The entire Racing squad was forced into isolation last week following nine positive Covid-19 tests, but they are now back in Top 14 action his weekend.
Mohamed Haouas was infamously sent-off for France at Murrayfield last March but coach Fabien Galthie is keeping faith in the prop.
Defending champions Saracens and Racing 92 have named their teams ahead of Saturday's massive Champions Cup semi-final in Paris.
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