Conference call to arms brave new world for the
unpaid for two months and even suggestions that the team might fold.
In the end, the Italian Federation stepped in, forming a new company amid a takeover, with former Ireland scrum-half Michael Bradley named head coach.
But a number of key players have left with wideman Edoardo Padovani joining Toulon, Josh Furno heading to Otago and Quintin Geldenhuys retiring, so another season of struggle beckons. PREDICTION: Seventh Toyota Cheetahs Just how the two South African sides will fare is the biggest imponderable surrounding the new season.
It’s clearly going to be difficult for them competing on two fronts –PRO14 and Currie Cup – over the first couple of months, which is hardly an ideal situation
The Cheetahs look best placed to stretch their resources in terms of squad strength – having increased to a playing pool of 55 – but they probably won’t be at full throttle until the second half of the campaign.
Tough to beat at home, the Bloemfontein boys are likely heading for mid-table. PREDICTION: Fifth The reigning champions - and they won’t give up their crown without a fight.
The way Wayne Pivac’s team played last season on their march to the title was an absolute joy to watch and there is every reason to believe they will be strong contenders once again.
Losing Liam Williams to Saracens has been balanced out by the coup of capturing Leigh Halfpenny in the highest -profile signing of the season.
Aussie Paul Asquith is a new face who has looked impressive in the centre during pre-season, with Wales Sevens star Morgan Williams an exciting option in the back three.
Another entertaining, enterprising season beckons. PREDICTION: Second Dragons Well, the men of Gwent have certainly had a higher profile than normal this summer following the takeover by the WRU.
Much of that has surrounded the arrival of two men – Bernard Jackman and Gavin Henson.
Former Ireland hooker Jackman has made a big effort to engage with the public since taking over as coach, making fulsome use of social media, and he’s highly quotable.
As for Henson, he still remains a figure who atttracts attention, even at the age of 35 and he will have a pivotal role to play on the pitch, starting the season at No 10.
The pitch problems at Rodney Parade have been addressed, with a new Desso surface in place, amid a sizeable outlay by the Union. But ultimately, the squad is still pretty short on quality, so it may same old, same old in terms of results for a while yet. PREDICTION: Sixth Leinster Leinster look to be the best-placed of the Irish teams to mount a challenge for the title.They have made two top-notch overseas signings in 39-cap Wallabies flanker Scott Fardy and Chiefs winger James Lowe, who has a Super Rugby strike rate of 14 tries from 37 matches.
If they can figure out their centre issues in the absence of injured duo Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose, they will be a real force looking at their squad, with the pack in particularly good shape. Expect to see them at the pointy end of the conference, shooting it out with the Scarlets for top spot. PREDICTION: First