The TOP 14 side, who are three-time finalists in the competition but were convincingly beaten by Leicester Tigers in the Round of 16 this season, have the “objective of having a star on the jersey by 2025", according to their president, Jean-Michel Guillon.

Fly-half Anthony Belleau and centre Julien Hériteau, both French internationals, arrive from RC Toulon, after featuring in the three-time European champions’ run to the EPCR Challenge Cup final this season.

Argentina international Bautista Delguy, who can play across the back three, joins from USAP, while fly-half Jules Plisson comes from Stade Rochelais with 18 France caps and 51 European games to his name, as well as a Challenge Cup triumph with Stade Français Paris in 2017.

Versatile forward Loïc Godener has signed from Stade Français, with two-time Australia centre Irae Simone recruited from Brumbies and full-back Alex Newsome brought in from Waratahs.

Guillon added: "Recruitment is not over if we have other opportunities."

ASM Clermont Auvergne have announced seven new signings as they look to revitalise their squad ahead of next season’s Heineken Champions Cup.