FIVE GOLDEN OLDIES:

John Afoa (Bristol):

The former All Black prop will be 35 next month and has been signed – at some expense – by Pat Lam to provide the cornerstone and nous up front for Bristol who are absolutely determined not to drop straight back into the Championship. Afoa has already produced excellent stints with Ulster and Gloucester after quitting Test rugby in 2011 following New Zealand’s World Cup triumph.

Ben Franks (Northampton):

The Premiership hasn’t really seen the best of New Zealand’s double world champion yet, not least because London Irish had been relegated by the time he arrived while injuries have also been a problem. At 34 he should still be in his front row prime and although he won’t be adding to his 47 New Zealand caps, he will be anxious to start making an impact with Saints where he moved in the summer.

Gareth Steenson (Exeter):

The popular Ulsterman maintains that important spiritual link with the Exeter Chiefs side that battled long and hard to win promotion nearly ten years ago. Still playing and kicking very well but came under huge pressure for his starting place from Joe Simmonds at the end of last season. Might be 34 but will continue to contest that starting place. 1456 points in 162 Premiership games to date and he’s not finished yet.

Wynand Oliver (Worcester):

Massively experienced former Boks centre who has been thwarted by injury but might yet have a role to play in a Worcester side looking to do rather more than just avoid relegation. At 35 has been around the block. First played in the Currie Cup way back in 2003 and made his Blue Bulls debut two years later. After retiring from Test rugby with 38 caps, he enjoyed two seasons with Montpellier before making his way to SixWays.

George Smith (Bristol):

Extraordinary Aussie flanker, now 38, who seems to have retired at least twice but is still doing his stuff. Retired first from Test rugby in 2009 and since then has played for – in a starring role – Toulon, Suntory, Stade Francais, Lyon and Wasps. Returned to Test Rugby in 2013 before finally retiring with 111 caps. Another experienced head at Bristol to guide the many hungry young tyros from the Championship that Pat Lam has also signed.