Top Australia and New Zealand players in the ProD2

Piri Weepu - New Zealand

The World Cup-winning halfback played for New Zealand Under 21 in 2004, the same year he earned a call-up for the All Blacks.

He became a key figure in the team’s Rugby World Cup 2011 success, leaving after 71 caps in 2013.

The 33-year-old has also played for both the Hurricanes and the Blues, becoming a Super Rugby centurion in 2013, and eventually headed to France where he found stable ground at Narbonne.

Josh Valentine - Australia

Valentine's on-field skills saw him named vice-captain of the Australia A team that toured Japan and participated in the Under 21 World Cup held in England.

Having previously played for the Queensland Reds and the Waratahs, the 33-year-old made the Brumbies set up in 2010.

After making a name for himself in the Super Rugby club, Valentine signed an initial 6-month contract with French club Narbonne in 2011, with his stay being extended.

His arrival at Narbonne saw the total number of Australians, from board members to players, rise to 11.

Stephen Brett - New Zealand

Brett made his Junior All Blacks debut in 2007 and made his name recognizable when he became a leading points scorer for the Crusaders (90 points) and Canterbury (149) in 2007.

He then played two seasons for the Blues from 2010 to 2011, with his career at the club ending after an incident at an end-of-season party where he stood on glass, injuring his toes.

Since then, Brett has taken the field for Japanese club Verblitz (2011-13), Bayonne (2013-14), Lyon (2014) and Narbonne, where he is currently showcasing his skills.

Huia Edmonds - Australia

Having won his first cap for Australia in 2010, Edmonds has represented Waratahs, Cape Town-based Stormers team and the Brumbies.

His great quality as a hooker caught the eye of Saracens selectors in 2011, but an unfortunate shoulder injury caused the deal to fall through.

After getting back to full form, he signed a 2-year deal with Gloucester in the Premiership, eventually making his way into the Pro D2 with a Narbonne signing in 2014.