Harlequins
Ins Nick Auterac (Bath Rugby), Max Crumpton (Bristol Bears), Alex Dombrandt (Cardiff Met), Nathan Earle (Saracens), Paul Lasike (Utah Warriors), Matt Symons (Wasps), Ben Tapuai (Bath Rugby).
Outs Sam Aspland-robinson (Leicester), Joe Gray (released), Jake Hennessey (released), Cameron Holenstein (Jersey Reds), Adam Jones (retired, Harlequins scrum coach), Charlie Matthews (Wasps), John Okafor (Yorkshire Carnegie), Charlie Piper (released), Jamie Roberts (Bath Rugby), Harry Sloan (Ealing), Winston Stanley (retired), Sam Twomey (London Irish).
What’s new?
After a disappointing 10th-place finish last season, it is all change at the Stoop with Paul Gustard stepping into the director of rugby role after John Kingston was sacked. Gustard has opted for a co-captaincy, with former England captain Chris Robshaw sharing formal leadership duties with former Australia captain James Horwill.
Who is the director of rugby and what is the game plan?
After his spell as England defence coach, it will be fascinating to see how Gustard adapts to his new position. Last season the Harlequins defence lacked grit at times, so bringing in a head of rugby with a specialisation in the area should be a big boost.
Key man
Marcus Smith (right) showed he has the talent and tactical nous during his first Premiership season. Perhaps the fact that it was a difficult campaign for Harlequins may have given the wunderkind an extra layer of mental toughness – an important attribute for a fly-half.
Most exciting signing?
Explosive wing Nathan Earle had a bright future ahead of him when he was part of the England Under-20 side who won the Junior World Championship in 2014. However, a ruptured Achilles later that year stunted his progress and he did not fully establish himself as a consistent starter at Saracens. Earle has a lot to prove, but has the spark and pace the Quins’ attack could need.
Who has it all to prove?
The established core of internationals of Danny Care, Robshaw and Mike Brown as their club seek a shot at redemption. Important heading into a World Cup year that England stalwarts are winning on as many fronts
as possible.
If they were an international side they would be ...
France. A big-name side with many past glories have stagnated over the last few seasons. As with Les Bleus, the talent and resources are there, it is about getting the players’ collective mindset to shift.