Racing 92 confirms six signings including TWO England internationals

Hill, a 2021 British & Irish Lion, departs Sale Sharks after three seasons in the Premiership and will now link up with former international teammate Nathan Hughes in the French capital. Hughes, who’s been plying his trade in Japan with Black Rams Tokyo, is among 10 new signings unveiled by Racing as they reshape their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

And the star power doesn’t stop there.

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Joey Manu, the ex-New Zealand rugby league sensation, is switching codes to union full-time, joining from Toyota Verblitz on a two-year deal. The former Roosters centre is expected to bring firepower to an already stacked Racing backline.

Also heading to La Défense Arena are Wallabies powerhouse Taniela Tupou, who impressed against the Lions for the Waratahs, and Fiji enforcer Lekima Tagitagivalu, arriving from Pau on a three-year deal.

Tagitagivalu won’t be the only Fijian arriving — Selestino Ravutaumada joins from the Fijian Drua. The Olympic silver medallist will be returning to Paris with unfinished business.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s Geronimo Prisciantelli, a versatile sevens and 15s international, has been tasked with filling the void at fly-half left by Owen Farrell’s return to Saracens and Dan Lancaster’s move to Glasgow Warriors.

With six full internationals among their 10 recruits, Racing 92 are sending a clear message: they’re coming for silverware.

Whether it’s rust, nerves, or just being outplayed, these five Lions have done themselves no favours – and could be heading home with regret.

All eyes were on Fin Smith to make a statement with Owen Farrell still looming over the fly-half conversation. But instead of stepping up, he produced a performance that did little to settle nerves.

Smith failed to make a major impression in the tour opener against Argentina, looking tentative and overly conservative in key moments.

Things didn’t improve much in his second outing against the Waratahs, where he tried to force the issue in the second half—only for the mistakes to pile up and the game to slip further away from him.

? Test chances: Fading fast. He’s no longer a clear bench option, and others are circling.

After being made to wait for his chance, Keenan finally got his shot against the Waratahs—and it couldn’t have gone much worse.

He opened with a dropped ball under little pressure and followed it with a missed tackle that directly led to a try. Normally so composed and reliable, Keenan looked rattled from the off and never quite found his rhythm or influence on the game.

? Test chances: This was a golden opportunity to nail down a claim. He let it slip through his fingers—literally.

The Lions scrum was meant to be a weapon—but against the Force, it was anything but. Schoeman struggled to hold his ground and was part of a front row that got manhandled far too often.

With Ellis Genge putting in a dominant shift last week, Schoeman’s underwhelming showing couldn’t have come at a worse time. The raw power and aggression he’s known for were notably absent.

? Test chances: He’s still in the mix, but firmly behind the frontrunners now.

This tour was supposed to be Curry’s return to dominance, but so far he’s looked anything but. Against Argentina in the opener and again versus the Reds, Curry seemed a step behind play.

His trademark defensive tenacity was muted, and while he rallied late on with a few solid tackles, the damage was already done. His lack of synergy with the back row around him was noticeable—and concerning.

? Test chances: Still respected, but form has to match reputation. Right now, it doesn’t.

The big winger has been one of the Lions’ most electric weapons in recent years, but injuries have clearly disrupted his build-up.

He’s looked off the pace, lacking sharpness both with ball in hand and in defensive positioning. Meanwhile, James Lowe has seized every chance to impress. Duhan’s physicality remains a threat, but his edge seems dulled for now.

? Test chances: Slipping away quickly. Needs a statement game—and soon.