Brive were worthy returnees to the Top 14 after a single Pro D2 campaign and while recruitment has been limited, there can expect consolidation in 2020/21.
Expect Bordeaux to take the frustration of last season out on their opponents this time around, but how well will they handle the loss of Semi Radradra?
It was May 2 when Brive announced that 10 players would leave… the Top 14 club have now recruited 5 replacements, including Fijian Setariki Tuicuvu.
La Rochelle's perfect record in the Challenge Cup was ended by Bristol, but Clermont Auvergne claimed a fourth win out of four.
Racing 92's bonus-point win over Bordeaux-Begles gives them the slenderest of advantages over Toulouse with one match to play.
The registered Champions Cup and Challenge Cup squads for the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14 sides have been released and excitement is building for the kick-off of the European competitions next week.
Which French clubs have been busy recruiting players ahead of the new Top 14 season? James Harrington checks out the key deals club by club