Stade Français adopts measured recruitment plan while Pro D2 talent list rises

Stade Français director of rugby Thomas Lombard explained that the Paris club pursued a restrained, financially‑driven recruitment campaign this summer, targeting high‑potential players such as Thomas Bué, Tomasi Maka, Petero Mailulu, Isaïa West, Rufus McLean and marquee signing Alivereti Duguivalu, who replaces Marchant and qualifies as a Jiff player.

Separately, analysts highlighted ten young players who could become breakout stars in France’s Pro D2 competition for the 2026‑2027 season, including Union Bordeaux‑Bègles prospect Joseph Laharrague, former Stade Toulousain forward Thomas Alary, Agen’s Romain Delemarle, Aurillac’s Mattéo Coustal, Narbonne’s Naël Souid and Soyaux‑Angoulême’s Lucas Costa, among others. These prospects are seen as the next wave of talent feeding the French rugby system.