NEW BOYS, OLD FACES... PRO12 READY FOR LIFT-OFF
WITH the new-look Guinness PRO12 set to be announced, there will be plenty of new faces with the addition of the South African franchises Cheetahs and Southern Kings.
But it is not just the South African sides that will bringing fresh blood to the league, with the regions having been busy recruiting over the summer.
All four sides have strengthened ahead of next season as they aim to match the Scarlets’ achievements last season.
Here are some of the biggest signings by the regions - plus some of the other sides’ marquee investments... Jack Roberts The Welsh centre made quite an impact with Leicester Tigers last season after stepping into the first-team at Welford Road following injuries to regulars Manu Tuilagi, Matt Smith and Matt Toomua.
And it did not take long for the Blues to sit up and take notice of the inside centre, who came through the ranks with fellow north Walian George North at Llandovery.
Having broken through so quickly at the Tigers, Roberts, 25, will be looking to break up the centre partnership of Rey Lee-lo and Willis Halaholo and force his way into Warren Gatland’s thinking. Franco Van der Merwe The 34-year-old lock heads to the Arms Park with a Springbok cap and plenty of experience to offer Danny Wilson’s men.
Having spent four years with Ulster, Van der Merwe will be a familiar face to most Blues fans.
And standing at 6ft 6ins and 18st 4lbs, Van der Merwe will look to bring a physical presence as well as an old head in the style of former Blues’ talismans Paul Tito and Xavier Rush. Zane Kirchner The 31-cap Springbok utility back is another to have spent some time across the Irish sea before swapping Ireland for Wales.
Kirchner, 32, had a successful four-year spell with Leinster, scoring twice in the 2014 PRO12 final as the province swept aside Glasgow Warriors on their way to the title.
Able to play at full-back, wing and centre, Kirchner will offer plenty of versatility to Bernard Jackman’s side.
CARDIFF BLUES
Gavin Henson A player that needs no introduction – ‘Gav’ has returned to regional rugby with his ambitions of pulling on the red jersey of Wales still burning bright.
Love him or loathe him, Henson, now 35, will, at the very least, offer some wisdom to the younger members of the Dragons squad.
But they say class is permanent and, if he’s firing on all cylinders, he should still have enough class to make an impression.