Tuesday 29 May 2018 15:49, UK
Stade Francais have signed France centre Gael Fickou after buying out the remaining year of his contract at Toulouse.
The 24-year-old has penned a five-year deal, having spent six seasons at Toulouse.
After a terrible season where they finished just one place above the relegation zone after losing 17 of their 26 games, Stade Francais' owner Hans-Peter Wild has splashed the cash.
Not only did he pay a reported €700,000 (£610,000) for Fickou to leave Toulouse a year early, Wild bought out the pre-contract France and Toulouse lock Yoann Maestri had signed with La Rochelle.
Argentina fly-half Nicolas Sanchez is also a notable signing for next season while Springbok Morne Steyn has extended his deal in the French capital by a year with an option for a further 12 months.
Meanwhile, Montpellier hooker Bismarck du Plessis is free to play in Saturday' Top 14 final after escaping a sanction from league officials.
The World Cup winner was cited for putting his hand in the face of Lyon lock Felix Lambey during Montpellier's 40-14 semi-final victory last Friday.
However National Rugby League (LNR) officials ruled the gesture did not merit a sanction, saying the 34-year-old "will not be summoned by the disciplinary commission".
Montpellier face Castres in Saturday's final, live on Sky Sports Mix from 7.30pm.
