Top 5 signings of the Top 14 season

With the Top 14 heading into the final round of the Top 14 season Toulouse and Clermont have claimed automatic semi-final spots while Lyon, Racing 92, Castres and La Rochelle are all in with a chance of making the playoffs.

La Rochelle needs nothing less than a win to displace Montpellier in the final spot while Lyon, Racing and Castres are playing for their final league standing.

With the season heading into the final, we have picked out our Top 5 signings of the season.

5. Gael Fickou, Hendre Stassen - Stade Francais

A close call between Stade Francais' two top signings this season, so we included them both. 21-year-old Stassen, originally joined the side on loan from the Bulls but after making a huge impact on the field, Stade was able to convince the Bulls to let one of their most promising youngsters leave.

Stassen has continued to be one of Stade Francais' most impactful players on the field and has worked incredibly well in tandem with Sekou Macalou. In the backs, Fickou enjoyed a sensational start to his time in Paris having signed on from Toulouse.

His impact was sorely missed during the Test windows and will be keen to continue his form into his second season with the club having missed out on a place in the playoffs.

4. Jerome Kaino - Toulouse

If you thought Jerome Kaino headed to Toulouse to cash in on a few big paydays while enjoying France's finest wines, beautiful scenery and turning up to the odd rugby game or two, think again.

Arguably one of the finest blindside flankers to play the game, Kaino proved that he has still got it at the age of 36. Kaino was a regular in the Toulouse line up, most starting in the no.8 jersey.

Kaino has averaged just shy of 10 tackles and carries per game and has maintained a high tackle success of 87.5. 

3. Charlie Ngatai - Lyon

The Chiefs are struggling without their star centre while Lyon have reaped the rewards of signing the one test All Black. Ngatai struggled with injuries during the latter stages of his time in Hamilton but he has been regular in the Lyon line up featuring in 22 of their 25 matches this season.

Ngatai and Zebo battle it out for the best value for money signings this season with both players featuring regularly for their sides, Ngatai has also been a key link player at Lyon while also covering well at fullback and inside centre.

2. Simon Zebo - Racing 92

The former Munster was always going to be a hit in Paris with his attacking style of play suiting Racing down to a tee. Zebo has ran in a joint season high of 11 tries while also picking up 4 try assists while also featuring amongst the top 15 running metres gained in the competition. 

1. Finn Russell - Racing 92

Replacing All Black great Dan Carter as well as Pat Lambie was going to be no easy feat but Racing 92 hit the closest possible thing to a jackpot. Russell has been sensational for Racing 92 this season, igniting their attack from all corners of the field while combining superbly with former Munster fullback Simon Zebo. 

His 7 try assists and 5 tries highlight his attacking impact while he has also scored 88 points from the tee. The former Glasgow man could play a vital role for Racing 92 in the playoffs before he links up with Scotland for the Rugby World Cup.