French giants splash Owen Farrell and Siya Kolisi cash as British and Irish Lion and Taniela Tupou headline star-studded in take
Wallabies front-row Taniela Tupou.
French giants Racing 92 have hit the transfer market hard with 10 new players heading to Paris ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Parisians head into the new campaign after a 10th-placed finish in the Top 14 last season, and have cash to burn following the high-profile exits of Owen Farrell and Siya Kolisi in the past two seasons.
The new recruits also form part of the ‘new cycle’ following a tough 2024/25 season, with Patrice Collazo also joining as the club’s head coach.
Racing 92 spend big with 10 recruits drafted in
Following months of speculation, Taniela Tupou’s switch to the French side has finally been confirmed, being joined by a further five fellow internationals. England duo Nathan Hughes and Jonny Hill, the latter being part of the Exeter Chiefs side that beat Racing in the 2020 Champions Cup final, join Fijian pair Lekima Tagitagivalu and Selestino Ravutaumada in making Paris their new home.
Former New Zealand rugby league star Joey Manu has also made the move to Racing after a stint in Japan, despite rumours of a possible return to the 13-man game with the New Zealand Warriors.
‘Massive’ All Blacks blow as Scott Barrett ruled out with stand-in captain confirmed
Elsewhere, the club have also brought in Geronimo Prisciantelli, Wilfried Hulleu and Thomas Lainault.
🔟 joueurs rejoignent la #RacingFamily
Ainsi qu’𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘇𝗮𝗺, nommé entraîneur des avants !
Bienvenue messieurs 🫡
Toutes les infos : https://t.co/ceTBzNsrNm pic.twitter.com/jlTeHz7wp6
— Racing 92 (@racing92) July 8, 2025
Commenting on the acquisitions and the new cycle, Arnaud Tourtoulou, President of Racing 92, said: “With this new cycle, we are affirming our ambition while remaining faithful to the DNA of Racing 92: high standards, the youth trained at the club, and the team spirit.
Dean Richards rubbishes nepotism claims as Owen Farrell would’ve beaten Smiths to B&I Lions squad
“By renewing our confidence in Patrice Collazo and his staff, we are laying the solid foundations for a project focused on the future. Our objective is clear: to return to the top of French rugby by building on what has always been the strength of our club.”
New Racing 92 head coach, Patrice Collazo, added: “This sporting project is long-term, with clear foundations: rigour, total commitment, and a deep attachment to the jersey. We have chosen to build a dense squad, with players driven by an impeccable mentality and a great ability to serve the team.
“Training is at the heart of our daily work. Integrating young players from the training centre and helping them grow alongside experienced players is a powerful lever for building a solid, ambitious squad that is faithful to the soul of the club. We know where we come from, we know where we want to go, and we will do everything we can to get there together.”
