Saracens
Ins Alex Lewington (London Irish), David Strettle (Clermont), Tom Woolstencroft (London Irish).
Outs Schalk Brits (retired), Danny Cutmore (Cornish Pirates), Nathan Earle (Harlequins), Mike Ellery (England Sevens), Mark Flanagan (Bedford Blues), Matt Hankin (retired), Kieran Longbottom (Western Force), Tadgh Mcelroy (Bedford Blues, loan), Jack Nay (Bedford Blues, loan) Chris Wyles (retired).
What’s new?
Not much. David Strettle returns to the club after a couple of seasons with Clermont Auvergne while fellow wing Alex Lewington and hooker Tom Woolstencroft were picked up from relegated London Irish. Look out for the young fly-half Max Malins, who has been tearing it up in preseason.
Who is the director of rugby and what is the game plan?
The most successful club coach of the modern era, Mark Mccall gives next to nothing away in his public pronouncements. Even when Saracens suffered a major midseason wobble with seven straight defeats, Mccall never betrayed any sign of panic and they finished as champions. Has gradually evolved Saracens’ game, even if the boot of scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth remains integral.
Key man
In a team overloaded with superstars, it was unheralded back-row Jackson Wray (above) who won both the players’ and supporters’ player of the year awards last season. His lack of England recognition means he is available all year round, which is crucial during the many periods when the internationals are away.
Most exciting signing?
After impressing in a struggling team with London Irish last season, this really feels like a launch pad for Alex Lewington – if he can hold down a wing place.
Who has it all to prove?
Having primarily played the role of understudy to Owen Farrell since joining Saracens, Alex Lozowski now looks to kick on at outside centre. Has the pace, footwork and distribution to be the complete package and a big season could force his way into Eddie Jones’s World Cup plans.
If they were an international side they would be ...
New Zealand. The undisputed superpower, mixing power and panache in equal measure, and disgustingly seem to have unearthed yet another generation of ridiculously talented players – Malins, Ben Earl and Joel Kpoku – ready to step up.