European Champions Cup: Seven players to watch in 2022/23

Planet Rugby looks at the players to watch ahead of the European Champions Cup. The biggest club competition starts on Friday. It features the current World Rugby Player of Year and several new signings.

Christian Wade is making his return to the Champions Cup after a three-year stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. He has impressed in Paris with his displays for Racing 92. Wade has only one England cap.

Josh van der Flier is the best player in the world. Leinster have consistently been in contention but have lost to La Rochelle in last two tournaments. They need another big season to win their fifth European title.

George Bridge signed for Montpellier instead of staying in the country and trying to earn a spot in New Zealand squad for next year's World Cup. He made his debut for the club in their Top 14 defeat to Clermont Auvergne at the weekend. Montpelier will rotate their squad during the Champions Cup group stage.

Val Rapava-Ruskin is a scrum-half who plays for Gloucester. He was unlucky not to play for England during the Autumn Nations Series. His form has been outstanding at the breakdown and he is one of the best jackallers in the Premiership.

Ange Capuozzo will make his Champions Cup debut this season after joining from Grenoble. Capozzo stunned Wales in the Six Nations with a mazy run that set up Edoardo Padovani's match-winning score.

Gregor Alldritt is a world-class number eight. La Rochelle won their first Champions Cup title with him at the helm. Ardie Savea is currently competing with All dritt as the best number 8.

Manu Tuilagi is feeling his way back after missing the July series in Australia. He has been limited in his game time for the last few seasons. The 31-year-old is expected to play a key role for England in the European Champions Cup.