As revealed earlier in the week by L’Équipe. The following season, English international Jonny Hill should sign for Racing 92, further filling the English colony playing in Île-de-France. The powerful and mobile profile of number 5 (2.02 m for 122 kg) would be greatly appreciated by Stuart Lancaster and announces the arrival of a new Englishman in the French Championship.
With this arrival, Racing 92 could have a veritable colony of English players under the orders of Stuart Lancaster. In the second row, the young Junior Kpoku crystallizes a lot of hopes. Behind, the Altosequan club already has Owen Farrell and Dan Lancaster, as well as Sam James. For his part, Henry Arundell is expected to break his contract with Ciel et Blanc this summer to join Bath.
Mass gain objective: A former beam of the XV of England joins Racing 92 to densify his pack
And this dynamic does not only apply to Racing 92. Indeed, several Top 14 clubs shine thanks to English players or those who have already worn the XV de la Rose jersey. This season alone, David Ribbans and Jack Willis are the respective joys of RC Toulon and Stade Toulousain.
More generally, the Top 14 has seen notable interest in English talent in recent seasons. In response to the recent bankruptcy of several Premiership clubs (Wasps, London Irish and Worcester Warriors), a mass exile was observed.
''This is why I don't stay in England'', this English international praises the Top 14 and rugby in France
This season, England has 23 representatives in the Top 14. A significant figure which makes it the first breeding country from the northern hemisphere in the French Championship, ahead of Georgia. In total, it is the second country providing rugby players in the Top 14. It remains behind Fiji (27 players), but is tied with South Africa and Argentina.
Even more impressive, this group of English players is larger than all the players from the other selections in the VI Nations Tournament. With 10 Italians, 4 Scots, 3 Irish and 2 Welsh, the number of players from Tier 1 nations, excluding English and French, only rises to 19 individuals.
Of the 22 English players playing in the Top 14, almost 60% are forwards and around a quarter are props. In the back lines, openers such as Farrell, Simmons or Henry apply for match sheets alongside profiles more based on exceptional physiques, for their power or speed.
TOP 14. Willis stays at Stade Toulousain, but a clause in his contract could change everything
