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From Willis to Hogg: the 19 British and Irish players shaping the Top 14 play-offs

The Top 14 play-offs are set, and 19 British and Irish players are poised to influence who lifts the Bouclier de Brennus. From Jack Willis's barnstorming displays for Toulouse to Ali Price's cerebral control at Montpellier, the Home Nations contingent is central to the title race.

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From Willis to Hogg: the 19 British and Irish players shaping the Top 14 play-offs
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Nineteen British and Irish players will feature in the Top 14 play-offs as the French league’s title race enters its decisive phase, with defending champions Toulouse bidding for a fourth consecutive Bouclier de Brennus.

Toulouse

No player has embodied Toulouse’s relentless style more visibly this season than English flanker Jack Willis. The former Wasps loose forward has completed 87 per cent of his tackles, made 13 jackals, broken the line six times and scored four tries across 17 regular-season games — a contribution that proved decisive in last year’s final. Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn is also expected to play a significant role in the play-off campaign, having started 18 regular-season matches and accumulated 40 points from the tee alongside one try — his most productive season since arriving in France.

Pau

Pau are chasing their first Top 14 title in 62 years, and fly-half Joe Simmonds is central to those ambitions. The former Exeter Chiefs playmaker missed a substantial spell between November and February through injury but returned sharply, adding 40 points from the tee across just his last two appearances. Scrum-half Dan Robson — who has agreed a move to Gloucester — and centre Carwyn Tuipulotu have also contributed meaningfully to what has been a remarkable season for the club.

Montpellier

Montpellier carry the largest British and Irish contingent of any play-off side and have emerged as a credible dark horse after defeating UBB twice in the past six months. Scotland’s Ali Price has been the architect of much of that form, registering two tries and four assists in 17 games during a stellar debut season abroad. His reading of the game has added a tactical dimension that head coach Joan Caudullo has leaned on heavily. Price is joined by Ireland’s Ken Martin, Wales’ Adam Beard, England’s Lennox Anyanwu and Scotland’s Stuart Hogg among the Home Nations players who have contributed to Montpellier’s campaign.

With Toulouse seeking history, Pau chasing a generational milestone and Montpellier quietly building momentum, the British and Irish influence on the outcome of the Top 14 title could scarcely be greater.

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