Players leaving and Joining the French Top 14

The 2025/26 Top 14 season ushers in a wave of significant player movement across France’s top rugby clubs. From major international signings like Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola to the retirements of veterans such as Sofiane Guitoune and Sam Whitelock, teams have reshaped their squads with an eye on both domestic dominance and European contention. Below is a club-by-club breakdown of the biggest departures, arrivals, and what they mean for each side heading into the new campaign.

Bordeaux Bègles

Bordeaux have pulled off one of the biggest coups in French rugby by signing Pete Samu from the Brumbies. The Wallaby brings world-class versatility and power to their back row as they aim for silverware.
Departures: Madosh Tambwe, Zack Holmes, Antoine Miquel, Thomas Jolmès, Lekso Kaulashvili, Clément Maynadier (retired)
Arrivals: Pete Samu, Damian Penaud, Tevita Tatafu, Joseph Dweba, Ben Tapuai, Carlü Sadie, Alexandre Ricard, Romain Latterrade, Arthur Duhau

Castres

The arrival of Will Collier from Harlequins bolsters Castres’ front row with a seasoned scrummager and international pedigree. His experience could prove crucial in tight battles up front.
Departures: Yoan Audrin, Carl Hoeft, Benjamin Kayser, Danie Saayman, Sébastien Tillous-Borde
Arrivals: Will Collier, Paul Jedrasiak, Rémy Baget, Guillaume Ducat, Nicolas Corato, Max Evans, Thierry Lacrampe, Rémi Lamerat, Brice Mach, Rémi Tales

Clermont

Clermont’s pack gets a major injection of steel with the arrival of Selevasio Tolofua from Toulouse. His ball-carrying and defensive work rate are exactly what Clermont need to re-establish dominance.
Departures: Benoît Baby, Agustín Creevy, Sione Lauaki, Thibaut Privat, Martín Scelzo, Marius Joubert
Arrivals: Selevasio Tolofua, Pio Muarua, Tevita Ratuva, Alivereti Loaloa, Michael Alaalatoa, Lucas Zamora, Tom Raffy (loan)

La Rochelle

Teddy Iribaren’s departure removes a vocal and reliable leader from the La Rochelle halfback pairing. His absence will test the club’s depth at scrum-half going forward.
Departures: Teddy Iribaren, Hugo Reus, Raymond Rhule, Rémi Picquette, Noë Della Schiava, Lucas Zamora
Arrivals: Kane Douglas

Lyon

Lyon have added serious edge to their pack with the signing of Tomas Lavanini. The hard-hitting Argentine lock will bring physicality and bite to their engine room.
Departures: Pierre-Yves Montagnat, Paino Kelekolio-Hehea, Dorian Sève, Olivier Nauroy, Antoine Nicoud, Nicolas Portier
Arrivals: Tomas Lavanini, Jermaine Ainsley, Charlie Cassang, Théo Milliet, Jean-Philippe Bonrepaux, Irakli Aptsiauri

Montpellier

Billy Vunipola’s move to Montpellier is a headline signing for the Top 14. The England No. 8 brings heavyweight international experience and go-forward in spades.
Departures: Jean-Mathieu Alcalde, Lionel Dargier, Marc Giraud, Fabien Rofes, Matthieu Petitdemange, Mohamed Haouas
Arrivals: Billy Vunipola, Madosh Tambwe, Joshua Moore, Elia Elia, Lucas Amorosino, Alexis Bernadet, Nicolas Martins, Maximiliano Bustos

Oyonnax

The loss of Rory Sutherland weakens Oyonnax’s front row significantly. The Scottish loosehead’s scrummaging power was vital in their top-flight campaign.
Departures: Rory Sutherland, Enzo Reybier, Charlie Cassang, Théo Milliet, Loïc Credoz, Jules Soulan, Irakli Mirtskhulava
Arrivals: Zack Holmes, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Manuel Leindekar, Martin Bogado, Paulo Tafili, Tuqovu Ramototabua, Antoine Miguel, Karim Qadiri

Pau

The retirement of Sam Whitelock ends a short but impactful stint in Pau's second row. His leadership and experience will be missed on and off the pitch.
Departures: Sam Whitelock (retired), Guillaume Ducat, Jale Vatubua, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Samuel Ezeala, Fabrice Metz, Steven Cummins, Thibault Debaes, Paul Tailhades
Arrivals: Joël Kpoku, Aymeric Luc, Olivier Klemenczak, Rémi Picquette, Lekso Kaulashvili, Daniel Bibi Biziwu, Loïc Credoz, Jon Zabala, Aaron Grandidier

Perpignan

Perpignan’s backline gains flair and physicality with the signing of Eneriko Buliruarua. His explosive running style will add threat to their midfield.
Departures: Manuel Edmonds, Bruce Devaux, Kieran Brookes
Arrivals: Eneriko Buliruarua, Gela Aprasidze, James Hall, Giorgi Beria, Antoine Aucagne, Max Hicks, Adrien Warion, Noé Della Schiava

Racing 92

Owen Farrell’s arrival from Saracens is a game-changing move. His tactical intelligence, leadership, and goal-kicking could make Racing serious title contenders.
Departures: Trevor Nyakane, Christian Wade, Juan Imhoff, Cedate Gomes Sa, Wenceslas Lauret, Baptiste Chouzenoux, Olivier Klemenczak, Veikoso Poloniati
Arrivals: Owen Farrell, Demba Bamba, Hacjivah Dayimani, Sam James, Lucio Sordoni, Romain Taofifénua, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Diego Escobar, Kléo Labarbe, Feleti Kaitu’u

Stade Français

The departure of Joris Segonds leaves Stade Français without their long-time playmaker. His tactical kicking and game control will be hard to replicate.
Departures: Joris Segonds, Kylan Hamdaoui, Mickaël Ivaldi, Giovanni Habel-Küffner, Laurent Panis (retired)
Arrivals: Michael Cheika (coach), Martin Rodriguez Gurruchaga, Gonzalo Tiesi, Goderdzi Chvelidze, James Hamilton

Toulon

The exit of Aymeric Luc takes away a dependable fullback option from Toulon’s backfield. Known for his positioning and counterattacking threat, he’ll be missed.
Departures: Aymeric Luc, Bruce Devaux, Kieran Brookes, Sonny Bill Williams, Tonga Lea’Aetoa
Arrivals: Mehdi Mérabet, Thierry Brana, Christophe Samson, Benjamin Lapeyre, George Smith, Rudi Wulf

Toulouse

Sofiane Guitoune’s retirement brings down the curtain on a distinguished career. The veteran centre leaves behind a legacy of flair, leadership, and silverware.
Departures: Sofiane Guitoune (retired), Lucas Tauzin, Piula Faasalele, Ian Boubila (loan)
Arrivals: Pierre-Gilles Lakafia, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Vilimoni Delasau, Nicolas Vergallo

Bayonne

Bayonne have kept a relatively low profile in the market, with no headline signings or exits reported. Continuity appears to be the club’s priority heading into 2025/26.
Departures: None confirmed
Arrivals: None confirmed