Worcester

Ins Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Callum Black (Ulster), Cornell du Preez (Edinburgh), Michael Fatialofa (Hurricanes), Michael Heaney (Doncaster Knights), Jono Lance (Queensland Reds), Isaac Miller (London Scottish), Farai Mudariki (Stado Tarbes Pyrenees), Scott van Breda (Jersey Reds), Francois Venter (Cheetahs), Duncan Weir (Edinburgh).

Outs Biyi Alo (Soyaux Angouleme), David Denton (Leicester Tigers), Michael Dowsett (Canon Eagles), Andrew Durutalo (Ealing Trailfinders), Grayson Hart (London Scottish), Kurt Haupt (SWD Eagles), Tom Heathcote (released), Ben

Howard (released), Donncha O’callaghan

(retired), Sam

Olver (Ealing Trailfinders),

Will Spencer (Leicester

Tigers), Max

Stelling (Hino Red Dolphins), Peter

Stringer (retired), Huw Taylor (Dragons), Jackson Willison (Bath Rugby).

What’s new?

Alan Solomons has acquired Rory Duncan from the Cheetahs as his head coach, adding proven centre Francois Venter from the same South Africa franchise.

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

Solomons only took the reins at Sixways halfway through last season. Duncan’s Cheetahs were often involved in highscoring, white-knuckle contests and Worcester boast back-line speed. They should not die wondering in the attempt to stay up.

Key man

South African scrum-half Francois Hougaard (below) has sparked Worcester so often over his two seasons in the West Midlands.

Most exciting signing?

Losing locks Will Spencer and Donncha O’callaghan would have stung most Premiership squads, so the impending arrival of New Zealander Michael Fatialofa will be welcomed.

Who has it all to prove?

Jack Singleton is straight into the Rugby World Cup shake-up in the event of an injury to Dylan Hartley, Jamie George or Luke Cowan-dickie.

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

Italy. A promising, home-grown generation is emerging – watch out for centre Ollie Lawrence and back-five forward Ted Hill – but Worcester will find wins difficult to come by.