Lesley Vainikolo (Gloucester) - The giant wing is the latest big name to switch codes following his move from Bradford to Gloucester this summer. It is a swap which many players have struggled with but, after scoring five tries on his debut against Leeds in September, 'the Volcano' could well have the rest of Europe running scared.
Marty Holah (Ospreys) - The former international moves to Ospreys after playing his entire career for Waikato in his native New Zealand. After spending a long time as a regular in the All Blacks team he fell out of favour with the Graham Henry set up and will be eager to show he still has what it takes.
Chris Jack (Saracens) - The giant lock and All Blacks stalwart makes his first venture into European rugby after spending the first eight years of his career in New Zealand. He earned up his 68th cap for his country in the World Cup quarter final defeat to France and will prove a big asset at Vicarage Road this season.
Tom Varndell (Leicester) - The lightning wing was a key player in the Tigers' run to the final last year scoring four tries in six appearances including the winner against Stade Francais in the quarter-final. And with 37 tries in all competitions in the past two seasons his form, even off the bench, could be the key to a third Leicester triumph.
Vilimoni Delasau (Clermont) - The bustling Fijian wing was one of the stars of the World Cup as the unfancied Pacific islanders shocked everybody by making the quarter-finals. He scored three tries in France including touchdowns against Wales and South Africa and will be a potent weapon for dark horses Clermont in a tough Pool five.
Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse) - On his day one of the most effective centres in world rugby and an outstanding breaker of the line. He was a key component in Toulouse's two Heineken Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2005 and will be looking to bounce back following the Autumn's World Cup heartbreak.
Percy Montgomery (Perpignan) - Returns to the Heineken Cup after a two-year absence following his move from Newport Gwent Dragons to Natal Sharks in 2005. South Africa's all time caps and points record holder will bring valuable experience to a Perpignan side looking to emulate that which reached the final in 2003.
Tom Rees (Wasps) - The regular number seven for cup holders Wasps despite only being 23, Rees has played for England at every age group from Under-16 and captained the Under-21s. Despite a series of injuries throughout his career he broke on to the international stage at this year's Six Nations and will be stronger following his World Cup experience.
Felipe Contepomi (Leinster) - Nominated for the 2007 IRB player of the year award, Contepomi's partnership with Brian O'Driscoll will be the big factor in Leinster's quest for the cup. The Argentinian fly-half cum centre has come into his own in the past year and is a major force in the Puma's surge to rugby's top table.
David Skrela (Stade Francais) - Played a major role in France's defence of their Six Nations title in the spring although his World Cup was disrupted by injury. When in form he is one of the most dynamic fly halves in the world and will be hungry to add European glory to last season's French title.
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