Top 14: Eleven internationals who are out of contract at the end of the season

Jared Wright
All Blacks Top 14 stars out of contract lima sopoaga ben volavola and rynhardt elstadt

Several Top 14 stars are out of contract at the end of the current season and could be in the market for a new club.

With the end of the campaign fast approaching, squads are starting to fill up, and some big names could be without a club ahead of 2023/24.

There is some time for sides to snatch up the available talent, while special dispensation is available to French clubs within their budgets for the Rugby World Cup.

Midi Olympique has compiled a list of players who are out of contract, and we have picked out eleven standouts.

Lima Sopoaga

Former All Blacks fly-half Sopoaga could leave Lyon at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old missed a large chunk of the campaign through injury and returned to full fitness in January.

It’s still not known if he will be offered an extension before the end of the season, and there have not been any rumours of his next destination if he is not.

Wenceslas Lauret

There are doubts over the future of Lauret, who could bring an end to his career this season.

The 34-year-old has spent his entire career at Racing 92, playing over 200 matches and represented France 25 times.

The flanker has not inked a contract extension with Racing, but Midi Olympique reports that he could sign as cover for the World Cup before retiring.

Vincent Rattez

The French international outside back has not been offered a contract extension at Montpellier.

The 31-year-old has played nine times for France and joined Montpellier in 2020 from La Rochelle.

According to Midi Olympique, Lyon are interested in signing Rattez ahead of next season.

Mathieu Bastareaud

The former France captain returned to Toulon this season and has played 13 times in the Top 14.

The 34-year-old rejoined Toulon as a player-coach, and his playing contract ends this season.

It is still being determined whether Bastareaud will hang up his boots permanently this season or not.

Charles Ollivon is set to feature in France’s Rugby World Cup squad, and Sergio Parisse is retiring. Signing Bastareaud as Rugby World Cup cover is reportedly being considered. 

Ben Volavola

The Fijian international joined Racing 92 in 2018 and has had a loan stint at Perpignan.

The 32-year-old was linked with a move to Premiership side Harlequins, but Jarrod Evans’ arrival has ended those rumours.

Finn Russell will join Bath ahead of next season, and Manie Libbok is set to remain at the Stormers for at least another season, meaning Volavola might get a late contract extension.

His likely inclusion in the Fiji Rugby World Cup squad does not help his chances of remaining at Racing.

Leone Nakarawa

Fellow Fijian Leone Nakarawa could also be without a club next season if he continues his playing career.

The 35-year-old joined Castres in July last year but only signed a one-year contract with the side.

He has played 14 times for the club this season, and it is expected that he will not be offered an extension.

Rynhardt Elstadt

The Springbok forward joined Toulouse in 2017 from the Stormers, and while enjoying a successful stint with the French side, he could depart at the end of the season.

Elstadt has been linked with a return to South Africa, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Jack Willis’ extension with Toulouse further indicates that Elstadt will leave the Top 14 club.

Tim Nanai-Williams

Another international could leave Toulouse with Samoan international Nanai-Williams’ contract expiring.

The 33-year-old has played just five times for Toulouse this season, starting four times.

His versatility would be an asset for any team with his ability to back in all back three positions, fly-half and even centre.

Juan Cruz Mallia

Los Pumas full-back Mallia is another who has impressed at Toulouse but could still depart at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has not signed a contract extension with the side, and with Melvyn Jaminet, Ange Capouzzo and Thomas Ramos on their books, Mallia could be pushed out of the club.

Santiago Chocobares

Lastly, from Toulouse, Chocobares could follow countryman Mallia out the door.

He has played just five times this season between injuries and selection.

He, too, shouldn’t struggle for suitors. 

Ben Lam

Finally, Montpellier wing Lam is set to leave Montpellier at the end of the campaign.

His contract expires at the end of the season, and while he was linked with a return to New Zealand, he is set to stay in France.

Castres are reportedly interested in his services.

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