Discarded by Munster and Ireland, Joey Carbery is flourishing again with Bordeaux.
The wily duo, combined with a Moneyball-style approach, could build on the impressive foundations laid by Joe Schmidt.
Six swashbuckling Bordeaux backs have made the French squad, bringing their unique flair to the Six Nations.
The Catalan Dragons have announced that Ben Lam will not be retained for the 2025 season, ending his brief stint with the club.
Ailie Tucker’s carrying in the loose was a real feature for the Warriors as they tried to get on the front foot and at scrum time she was a constant for the Scots.
The 33-year-old, who was out of contract after finishing up at Montpellier, had been rumoured to be staying in the Top 14, with Castres his likely destination.
Friday evening's match between the Chiefs and Moana Pasifika will give Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan a first look at how his squad is tracking ahead of the competition's February 18 kick-off.
The Chiefs have brought in a host of additional players ahead of the coming Super Rugby Pacific season.
Northland will be bolstered by All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue in their Sunday afternoon encounter with Manawatu and the Crusader's combination with former All Black Rene Ranger will certainly keep the Turbos busy on defence.
Northland will be bolstered by All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue in their Sunday afternoon encounter with Manawatu and the Crusader's combination with former All Black Rene Ranger will certainly keep the Turbos busy on defence.