From the favourites for promotion to the Top 14, Agen, Brive or Provence, to the only promoted team, Stade Nicois, all clubs have managed to enrich their squad with at least one player who has had a taste of international rugby.
Not for nothing have the Irish been described as the Samoan rugby players of the northern hemisphere. More often than not, they are excellent value-for-money signings when they head abroad.