Ex-All Blacks and former New Zealand coaches are in the limelight as the French Top 14 club rugby competition kicks-off a new season this weekend.

Before the first "chandelle" - up and under - has been kicked, an air of expectation has been created that promises this could be a vintage season for French rugby.

And it will include a significant New Zealand component at playing and coaching level.

According to a survey conducted by L'Equipe newspaper, Byron Kelleher's Toulouse are again the early favourites, despite not featuring in last year's final.

Second favourites Clermont, beaten finalists for the last three years' running, are coached by former Crusader Vern Cotter.

To strengthen his squad Cotter has made a number of major signings, including ex-Blue Tasesa Lavea, South African Brent Russell, up and coming French halfback Morgan Parra and Scottish loosie Jason White.

The current Top 14 champions, Daniel Carter's Perpignan, are rated as the third prospect for championship honours.

Much interest is centred on two of the "upstart" teams, Tana Umaga's Toulon, and recently promoted Racing-Metro, co-coached by former All Black Simon Mannix.

Toulon kick off the season tomorrow morning (NZ time) playing at home against the Ewen McKenzie-coached Stade Francais.

Toulon's major signing has been England first-five Jonny Wilkinson and they will need him at the top of his game as they are missing key players Sonny Bill Williams (fibula injury) and their captain, former Springbok Joe Van Niekerk (injured neck).

Stade Francais and Les Bleus centre Mathieu Bastareaud will also not be on the pitch as McKenzie awaits a medical feu verte (green light).

Bastareaud has exhibited erratic behaviour since he falsely alleged he had been attacked in the street after a June test against the All Blacks in Wellington.

The second Parisian team, Racing-Metro, gained their promotion last year greatly assisted by the boot and nous of former All Blacks star Andrew Merhtens.

A club with ambition, they have made a number of new signings including Sebastien Chabal. Les Bleus captain Lionel Nallet will add further grunt to the pack, while Springbok Francois Steyn is an exciting backline recruit.

Top 14 administrative president Pierre-Yves Revol, who has just taken on the role from Les Bleus legend Serge Blanco, has expressed his concern about the number of foreigners playing in French club rugby.

In L'Equipe, he noted that in 2002 foreigners represented 12 percent of registered players, climbing to 42 percent by 2008. However, Revol said it was pleasing that for the 2009 season, numbers have declined by 10 percent.

He said it was important to recognise the importance of "marquee" players, mentioning Riki Flutey along with the likes of Wilkinson, England outside back Iain Balshaw and Steyn, as they created public interest and helped attract sponsorship without impinging on the development of young French players.

NZPA