RACING MÉTRO HAVE confirmed their star-studded recruitment for the 2014/15 season, adding to the quality of the squad around Ireland out-half Jonny Sexton.
Twice-capped New Zealand centre Casey Laulala joins from Munster after two seasons in Ireland, while Wales international second row Luke Charteris signs from the relegated Perpignan.
As widely expected, France international fullback Brice Dulin brings his counter-attacking skill to Racing, while his Castres teammate Antonie Claassen – an international No. 8 for Les Bleus - also makes the switch to Paris.
Offering back up to Sexton at out-half will be new addition Johan Goosen, who will move from Super Rugby side Cheetahs. The 21-year-old Springbok is seen as a potential successor to Sexton in the 10 shirt should the Irishman move on following the 2014/15 campaign.
20-year-old Teddy Thomas, who made waves at times for Biarritz during the last two seasons, is another new face. The former France U20 cap is expected to develop into a senior international in the coming seasons.
Castres’ Georgian prop Anton Peikrishvili, Biarritz lock Thibault Dubarry and Montpellier wing Yoan Audrin complete the impressive recruitment by Racing ahead of next season.
Making way for those new players are the departing Antonie Battut, Benjamin Fall [both Montpellier], Jonathan Wisniewski [Grenoble], Fabrice Estebanez, Karim Ghezal, Masi Matadigo [all Lyon], Jone Qovu [La Rochelle] and Soane Tonga’uiha [Oyonnax].