Top 14 Foreign Imports 2018/19

The Top 14 season returns this weekend with a packed schedule with a number of mouth-watering encounter including a reply of last year's final.

The start of the Top 14 season always generates a lot chatter due to the number of high profile foreign players joining the league each season.

We ranked the best 14 foreign imports with the player's ability and the importance to the side being the main criteria.

14. George Moala (Blues to Clermont)

Although Moala will make a major impact on the Clermont squad, Moala signing is one that will add depth to the squad and intensify the fight for a starting place.

Clermont will be without Aurelien Rougerie for the first time in 18 years but still have the likes of Wesley Fofana, Remi Lamerat, Damian Penaud and Peter Betham all able to play in the midfield.

13. Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs to Clermont)

Another top signing for Clermont is on the wrong end of this list but Nanai-Williams will provide plenty of X-factor and versatility for Clermont. 

The former Chief is more comfortable on the wing and at fullback but has featured at flyhalf and centre at test level. 

12. Paddy Jackson (Ulster to Perpignan)

Jackson will look to guide Perpignan to a successful season in their first season back in France's top flight competition.

Every top successful side needs a quality no.10 and Jackson is exactly that having represented Ireland 25 times.

11. Johan Goosen (Retirement to Montpellier)

Coming out of 'retirement' Goosen will look to make a similar impact on the Top 14 with Montpellier after being a standout performer during his time with Racing 92.

Goosen will provide the Montpellier backline with a number of options with his ability to cover flyhalf, fullback and centre. 

10. Seta Tamanivalu (Crusaders to Union Bordeaux)

The former Crusader will arrive in Bordeaux after this year's Mitre 10 Cup.

Tamanivalu has been in inspired form lately and is will form a fantastic attacking partnership with Semi Radradra.

The signing of Tamanivalu is particularly important to Bordeaux who has struggled on attack recently. 

9. Ihaia West (Hurricanes to La Rochelle)

The Hurricanes flyhalf will have massive boots to fill at La Rochelle after Brock James' departure.

West has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in New Zealand but has failed to push on when given the opportunity.

A new setting may just be exactly what West needs and could be a real success at the club.

8. Liam Messam (Chiefs to Toulon)

The fact that Liam Messam does not make the Top half of the list is the testament to the quality of players joining the competition this season. 

Messam comes in to cover the loss of Duane Vermeulen and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe. The former Chief will be an important part of Toulon's side and will feature at no.8 and blindside flank.

7. Simon Zebo (Munster to Racing 92)

Zebo is the second Irishman to make the list, the former Munster speedster features halfway through the list after signing with Racing 92.

A talented player that can play fullback and wing Zebo is a fantastic addition to the Racing 92 squad.

He joins the likes of Teddy Thomas, Louis Dupichot, Brice Dulin, Juan Imhoff, Joe Rokocoko and Pat Lambie in Racing's back three department.

6. Jerome Kaino (Blues to Toulouse)

The addition of the veteran All Black blindside flanker is just the kind of signing Toulouse needed ahead of the new season.

Toulouse were unsettled in the no.6 jersey last season and Kaino is the perfect signing to fill that void on a permanent basis while helping to develop the youngsters.

5. Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors to Racing 92)

Finn Russell is another player who will have a big task on his hand's to replace a departed legend.

Russell is the man tipped to replace Dan Carter in the starting no.10 jersey and would have had competition from Pat Lambie early in the season if he were fit.

The Scottish International fits in well with Racing 92's approach to the game and should excel with his new side.

4. Nicolas Sanchez (Jaguares to Stade Francais)

Yet another flyhalf makes the list, showing exactly how important the need for a quality no.10 in France is.

Sanchez has made the Jaguares and Los Pumas no.10 jersey his own over past few seasons and is still regarded as one of the best flyhalves in World Rugby.

He just misses out on the Top 3 and will key figure in Stade Francais' success this season. 

The Paris-based side do have other options at flyhalf at the club in Morne Steyn and Jules Plisson but at the age of 34 Steyn is a bit off the pace while Plisson's performances are erractic.

3. Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs to Lyon)

Ngatai joins Lyon in the hopes of taking his new side to heights and fills a necessary gap in the Lyon squad.

Lyon doesn't have the centres that some of the other Top 14 sides boast but have picked a world class centre in Ngatai who was overlooked by the All Blacks.

His ability to play fullback is another plus for the side as well as his experience with Freddie Michalak retiring.

2. Julian Savea (Hurricanes to Toulon)

The All Black try scoring machine played his last game for New Zealand in 2017 but looked to have rediscovered his form at the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

Savea has a huge task on his hands in replacing Toulon's record try scoring winger Chris Ashton this season. 

1. Rhys Webb (Ospreys to Toulon)

Toulon's new scrumhalf comes in on top of the list.

There is no doubting the fact that Rhys Webb is one of the best halfbacks in world rugby and Toulon have struggled to find a long-term solution in the position.

Webb could be the final piece to the puzzle that could see Toulon return to European glory.