Leicester

Ins Sam Aspland-robinson (Harlequins), Gaston Cortes (Bristol Bears), David Denton (Worcester Warriors), Kyle Eastmond (Wasps), David Feao (Narbonne), Campese Ma’afu (Northampton Saints), Will Spencer (Worcester Warriors), Jimmy Stevens (Nottingham), Guy Thompson (Wasps).

Outs Chris Baumann (released), Ben Betts (Ealing Trailfinders), Tom Brady (released), George Catchpole (retired), Luke Hamilton (Edinburgh), Joe Maksymiw (Connacht), Nick Malouf (Australia Sevens), George Mcguigan (Newcastle Falcons), Logovi’i Mulipola (Newcastle Falcons), Afa Pakalani (released), Michele Rizzo (Petrarca), Dominic Ryan (released), Harry Thacker (Bristol Bears), Kyle Traynor (released).

What’s new?

Leicester did some excellent business this summer with the recruitment of forwards Will Spencer, David Denton and Guy Thompson, three proven Premiership performers who should add some much-needed power to the Tigers pack. Centre Kyle Eastmond makes the short hop across the Midlands from Wasps.

Who is the director of rugby and what is the game plan?

After missing out on the play-offs last season for the first time in 14 years, the vultures are already circling for Matt O’connor. Another top-four absence will not be tolerated. Much depends on the impact of new forwards coach Mark Bakewell, who has completely remodelled the Tigers lineout Hard to pretend that George Ford’s first season back in a Leicester Tigers shirt was anything but a letdown. The arrival of Eastmond, with whom Ford (left) combined so successfully at Bath, could reinvigorate his fortunes.

On paper, Tigers possess the most potent back division in the league. It is Ford’s task to unleash it.

Key man Most exciting signing?

Not glamorous by most clubs’ standards, but how Leicester have been crying out for a second row in the giant mould of Will Spencer. Sometimes big is better.

Who has it all to prove?

Having made 31 appearances in three seasons and with a contract worth more than £400,000 a year expiring this season, the pressure is on Manu Tuilagi to prove that he is value for money. Clearly needs a slice of luck with injuries, but the onus is on the centre to provide a few reminders that he is not just living off past glories.

If they were an international side they would be ...

South Africa. Once the most fearsome side around, recently subject to a series of humiliating results and desperate to re-establish their identity around a ferocious pack.