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Benetton
Ins:
Louis Lynagh – Harlequins
Matt Gallagher – Bath
Lautaro Bazan Velez – Rovigo
Riccardo Genovese – Zebre Parma
Marco Manfredi – Zebre Parma
Outs:
Giacomo Nicotera – Stade Francais
Giacomo Da Re – Zebre Parma
Joaquin Riera – Rouen
Gianmarco Lucchesi – Toulon
Giovanni Pettinelli – Mogliano Veneto
Edoardo Padovani – Mogliano Veneto
Marco Lazzaroni – Mogliano Veneto
Santiago Ruiz – released
Federico Zani – released
Henry Stowers – released
Dewaldt Duvenage – released
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne – released
Marcus Watson – retired
Matteo Minozzi – retired
Player to Watch : Juan Ignacio Brex – Expecting another massive year in the 13 Jersey from the Italian Superstar. Playing outside Malaki Fekitoa cant be bad either
Breakthrough Player of the Year: Louis Lynagh – The Aussie, Then English, Now Italian Flyer will be looking to impress in his first year with his new club.
Benetton have put to bed the idea of easy away days on Italian Turf. Finishing 7th last year in the league and after a nail biting Quarter Final loss to to the eventual finalists Vodacom Bulls – its hard to imagine a better season this year for the Treviso Club, however another strong showing and more of the same can be expected.
Expected Finish – 8th and Quarter Final Exit
Vodacom Bulls
Ins:
Cobus Wiese – Sale Sharks
Boeta Chamberlain – Hollywoodbets Sharks
Nama Xaba – DHL Stormers
Aphiwe Dyantyi – Hollywoodbets Sharks
Alulutho Tshakweni – Cheetahs
Outs:
Deon Slabbert – Pumas
Jacques du Plessis – Bath
Wandisile Simelane – DHL Stormers
Chris Smith – Oyonnax
WJ Steenkamp – Lions
Last years runner ups in the Grand Final but easily the most entertaining team for the neutral scoring more points and more tries than any other team in the league.
Player to Watch: Canan Moodie – Injury plagued the latter end of his season and Springbok showings but Moodie is the real deal. Kurt Lee Arendse has cemented himself for one wing berth in the Bokke – but I feel Canan Moodie will write his name in the Jesse Kriel succession plan this year.
Breakthrough Player of The Year: Cameron Hannekom – another superstar back rower of the springbok production line. Hannekom gave glimpses of his explosive power last year especially in the latter stages of the year. Hopefully an injury free season will lead to a wrold announcing year for the Springbok No.8 (or perhaps Welsh.
Expected Finish : 3rd Knock Out in QF
Cardiff
Ins:
Callum Sheedy – Bristol Bears
Gabriel Hamer-Webb – Northampton Saints
Steffan Emanuel – Bath
Tom Bowen – Bristol Bears
Joe Cowell – Cardiff Metropolitan University
Danny Southworth – Exeter Chiefs
Ed Byrne – Leinster
Iwan Stephens – Newcastle Falcons
Rory Jennings – Newcastle Falcons
Dan Thomas – Bristol Bears
Josh McNally – Bath
Outs:
Tomos Williams – Gloucester
Rhys Carré – Saracens
Owen Lane – Valence Romans
Shane Lewis-Hughes – Dragons
Arwel Robson – Chambery
Lopeti Timani – Narbonne
Jamie Hill – released
Max Clark – released
Gonzalo Bertranou – released
Aled Summerhill – released
Willis Halaholo – released
Matthew Aubrey – released
Ciaran Parker – retired
Josh Turnbull – retired
Ellis Jenkins – retired
The ongoing economic saga that is the Welsh Rugby Union hit the Capital City club as hard as anyone last year as you can see from their exodus of Welsh Internationals and Legends at the end of last season. 7 Welsh Internationals heading out of the club most notably Welsh Scrum Half Tomos Williams who was a stand out last year. Callum Sheedy takes the reins at 10 for the club aside from that could be a long year for the Blues.
Player to Watch : Callum Sheedy – the Bristol and Wales Maestro plays in his home town for the first time in over a decade. With the right style of play and coaching Sheedy is a world class operator and has shown time and again for the Bears that he is a match winner. A strong showing in Blue could definitely lead him to solving the natioanl woe for the Red No.10 jersey also.
Breakthrough Player : Gabe Hamer-Webb – a freak athelte who showed glimpses of his promise last year. More time in the blue and black on the wing will lead to this exciting winger becoming a superstar for the Blues.
Predicted Finish: 14th
Connacht
Ins:
Piers O’Conor – Bristol Bears
Adam McBurney – Edinburgh
David O’Connor – Ealing Trailfinders
Temi Lasisi – Leinster
Ben Murphy – Leinster
Josh Ioane – Chiefs
Josh Murphy – returns from sabbatical
Outs:
Diarmuid Kilgallen – Munster
Tiernan O’Halloran – retired
Declan Moore – Athem RC
Tom Farrell – Munster
Michael McDonald – Ulster
Dominic Robertson-McCoy – Aurillac
Jarrad Butler – released
Tom Daly – released
Gavin Thornbury – released
Matthew Burke – released
Oran McNulty – released
Tadgh McElroy – released
Long gone are the glory days of Connacht Rugby. 8 long years since silverware for the galway club and no sign of retribution based on last years going. Randomly the most well disciplined team in the league last year Connacht unfortunately have been able to unlock what is an extremely impressive back lines full potential.
They will need a big season from 10’s Carty and Hanrahan to get the scoreboard ticking if theyre to stand a chance of a play off spot.
Player to Watch: Mack Hansen. The Return of the Mack! Before a late injury last year, The Aussie Irishman has really set the international stage alight since stepping onto the scene. The addition of Piers Francis inside of Bundee Aki could possibly lead to more ball hitting the wings and letting Mack shine and get some meat pies.
Breakthrough Player: Santiago Cordero – the fleet footed Argentian is a genuine X Factor player. He will get bums on seats at the Dexcom Stadium and he will also get bums off seats and applauding at this electric style and game winning try ability. Not a breakthrough as he is a well known player but I expect him to make Galway his own throughout the season.
Expected Finish : 11th
Dragons Rugby
Ins:
Solomone Funaki – Moana Pasifika
Harry Wilson – NSW Waratahs
Oli Burrows – Exeter Chiefs
Steve Cummins – Pau
Shane Lewis-Hughes – Cardiff
Harri Ford – RGC 1404
Lloyd Evans – Gloucester
Outs:
Sean Lonsdale – Ealing Trailfinders
Aki Seiuli – released
Corey Baldwin – released
Gonzalo Bertranou – released
Max Clark – released
Nathan Evans released
Lewis Jones – released
Sio Tomkinson – released
Ellis Shipp – released
Jack Dixon – retired
Jack Dixon – retired
Chris Hollis – short-term deal concluded
Oh the Dragons! The Gwent Region has made a home at the bottom of league tables for over a decade now to the frustration of their loyal fanbase. Ironically the best performing region at the inception of “Regional Rugby” in Wales – The Dragons have failed to compete financailly with its Welsh compatriots over the last 10 years. However, this season – new ownership, re-signing of some great in-form Welsh players in Wainwright Dee and Dyer could see them lift themselves from the foot of the table this year.
Player to Watch: Aaron Wainwright – Hometown hero and arguably one of the most in-form number 8’s in world rugby at the moment. Wainwright fell out of favour under Pivac’s Wales but now under Gatlands reign the Bassaleg Boy has really hit his straps. Probably doesn’t get as much visibility he deserves at a domestic level but his performances for Dragons RFC are always of the hgihest level. Lions Selection Year – Wainwright in my opinion is guaranteed a seat on that plane.
Breakthrough Player of the Year: Will Reed. A criticism of Reed is his consistency at the highest level. Yo-yo performances for the region has seen him lose his spot to Full-Back cum Fly-Half Angus Obrien prior to his injury however I feel this will be Wills year. Playing at Fly-Half behind the worst scrum in the league doesn’t make for easy days at Rodney Parade but the introduction of Filo TiaTia to the Dragons backroom I think might lead to a good platform for Will Reed to come into his own.
Expected Finish: 13th
Edinburgh
Ins:
Paul Hill – Northampton Saints
Magnus Bradbury – Bristol Bears
Mosese Tuipulotu – NSW Waratahs
Ross McCann – Great Britain Sevens
Ross Thompson – Glasgow Warriors
Outs:
Viliame Mata – Bristol Bears
Luan de Bruin – Newcastle Falcons
Adam McBurney – Connacht
Charlie Savala – Northampton Saints
Cameron Neil – Sale Sharks
Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse
Jacob Henry – Coventry (Loan)
Jamie Campbell – released
Scott Steele – retired
WP Nel – retired
Arguably the biggest underachievers (behind Sharks) in the league last year. Edinburgh Rugby boast a wealth of Scottish Internationals and is really inexcusable to finish 10th in the league. Arguably one of the most lethal back threes in the league in Duhan Van Der Merwe, Emiliano Boffelli and Darcy Graham the term “Feed the Backs” has never been more relevant. Desperately in need of a fly half to glue the side in the pre season – will be interesting to see how they go this year.
Player to Watch: Darcy Graham. Feels like a broken record for all players returning from injury to make a statement, but Darcy Graham really is that guy. Arguably one of the most exciting winger finishers in World Rugby at the moment (I would hold him in Kolbe, Arendse levels for excitement). Never a dull moment with the diminuitive flyer on the pitch and I am looking forward to seeing him again in action this year.
Breakthrough Player: “Not Just Sione’s Little Brother” said Edinburghs latest inside centre- and I have to agree. It is inarguable the impact Mosese’s big brother has had on the national team but lil bro will be no different. Tuipolotu’s are very much the Tongan Rugby Royal Family production line a la Tuilagi’s of Samoa, Mosese just the latest in a long line of great Tuipolotu’s looking to set Northern Hemisphere rugby alight.
Expected Finish: 5th (Semi Final Exit)
Glasgow Warriors
Ins:
Patrick Schickerling – Exeter Chiefs
Rory Sutherland – Oyonnax
Adam Hastings – Gloucester
Grant Stewart – Ayrshire Bulls
Fin Richardson – Exeter Chiefs
Sam Talakai – Melbourne Rebels
Outs:
Greg Peterson – San Diego Legion
Ali Price – Edinburgh
Ross Thompson – Edinburgh
Oli Kebble – Oyonnax
George Turner – Kobe Kobelco Steelers
Tom Gordon – Newcastle Falcons
Enrique Pieretto – NSW Waratahs
Lucio Sordoni – released
Sintu Manjezi – released
Fraser Brown – retired
The Champions! What an end to the season for the Warriors. The final definitely not one for the ages from a spectacle perspective but as far as drama, finish and legendary status – it will go down in history. The loss of Ali Price to Edinburgh will hit the club but the return of Adam Hastings at fly-half will surely take the “Huwipolotu” Centre Partnership to the next level. Hard to replicate the heights of last year but am expecting another solid year from the Warriors.
Player to Watch: Rory Darge. Scotland have always had good back rowers and this generation is really an embarrasment of riches, none more prevalent than with Rory Darge. Only 24 years old and a perpetual Man of The Match in the URC, Darge’s epic performances week on week was a huge part of Glasgow success last year. A future Scotland captain and a potential mid week massive for the British Lions next year.
Breakthrough Player of the Year: Gregor Hiddleston. Gregor is a young hooker that came on the scene last year for the Warriors having represented Scotland U20s. At 6”2 and 106Kgs Hiddleston is a monster hooker but 3 tries in 9 games shows he knows his way to the tryline also. Set-piece and driving maul being a staple of Scottish International and Domestic Rugby –Johnny Matthews being the league top try scorer last year from the Hook but I see a big year ahead for the young understudy.
Expected Finish: 7th (Quarter Final Exit)
Leinster
Ins:
RG Snyman – Munster
Jordie Barrett – Hurricanes (short-term deal)
Rabah Slimani – Clermont
Outs:
Michael Ala’alatoa – Clermont
Jason Jenkins – Hollywoodbets Sharks
Ross Molony – Bath
Ed Byrne – Cardiff
Temi Lasisi – Connacht
Ben Murphy – Connacht
Rhys Ruddock – retired
Panic stations in the off season for the struggling Dublin team as they add two minor league players in Springbok RG Snyman and Youngest of the Barretts Jordie to their squad to hopefully finally get them a trophy in the coming season. All jokes aside, Leinster, Favourites of course. They cant go trophyless again…..can they?
Player to Watch Caelan Doris. Nothing to be said on this mans impact on the Leinster team. Question is, Lions year…Potential Captain….Will he go to the next level… I think so.
Breakthrough Player of the Year – Sam Prendergrast. The hype is real people! A fan and coaches favourite through age-grade rugby and now looking to stake his claim in the boots a la Sexton. Prendergrast was doomed to a few dead rubber games last year (South Africa Away) and showed a bit of inexperience at the top level with some flashes of brilliance. That being said his talent is evident and his future is bright and I see this year being the start of the Predergrast era in Blue and Green.
Expected Finish : 1st and Champions ….Surely!
Emirates Lions
Ins:
Kade Wolhunter – DHL Stormers
Franco Marais – Urayasu D-Rocks
Juan Schoeman – Bath
Siba Qoma – Cheetahs
WJ Steenkamp – Vodacom Bulls
Tapiwa Mafura – Cheetahs
Outs:
Jordan Hendrikse – Hollywoodbets Sharks
Hanru Sirgel – Grenoble
Emmanuel Tshituka – Hollywoodbets Sharks
Tyler Bocks – Ealing Trailfinders
Stean Pienaar – released
Travis Gordan – released
Andries Coetzee – released
Sibusiso Sangweni – released
Ruan Smith – released
Corne Fourie – released
Willem Alberts – retired
Rhynardt Rijnsburger – retired
A fairly uneventful off-season in the transfer market for the Emirates lions leaves to a fairly unanmbitious outlook to improve their mid-table showing from last year. Talismanic Willem Alberts has called it a day which leaves a big hole in leadership for the young side. With no sign of let-up of their gruelling travel schedule the Emirates Lions to be a fairly inconsistent side with the biggest opponent being Jet-Lag or DVT. An exciting back line however can score tries from anywhere so for sure will get a few upsets but I expect a similar showing on the league table this year.
Player to Watch Edwill Van Der Merwe – an electric winger who scored some of the trys of the season last year being on the finishing end of the lions “score from anywhere” mentality. Global teams should be searching this mans family tree for eligbility status as unfortunately he is far behind in the line of wingers for the Bokke but can do a job at the highest level for many many teams.
Breakthrough Player of the Year Sanele Nohamba – last years player of the year so how can he be a breakthrough player?? With no real signings in the summer and a forward pack that is quite long in the tooth it is hard to pick a standout player to breakthrough this year. But Nohamba’s stats last year surely got him on a certain Mr Erasmus radar and I hope that he breaks through the confines of the URC into a Green and Gold Jersey this October on the Northern Hemisphere tour.
Expected Finish : 9th
Munster
Ins:
Diarmuid Kilgallen – Connacht
Billy Burns – Ulster
Tom Farrell – Connacht
Thaakir Abrahams – Lyon
Outs:
Joey Carbery – Bordeaux
RG Snyman – Leinster
Antoine Frisch – Toulon
Keynan Knox – Bourgoin
Jack O’Sullivan – NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes
Neil Cronin – released
Andrew O’Mahony – released
Colm Hogan – released
Daniel Okeke – released
Jack O’Sullivan – released
Chris Moore – released
Andrew Conway – retired
Simon Zebo – retired
Notable exit on the pitch – Joey Carberry, Notable Exit Off the Pitch – Simon Zebo and noticable exit from the physio room RG Snyman. Munster have been a stalwart at the top of the table under the new league structure and they have become notorious with being brilliant travellers with some great away performances. A distastrous line-out cost them some big moments throughout the season (13th overall despite finishing first in the league) if they are to firm up that element of the game then expect another strong titler run in 24/25.
Player to Watch Calvin Nash. Last years Munster player of the year after some consistently powerful performances on the wing. 7 tries for the year and an absolute worldy of a try against Toulon in Europe led to an Ireland call up and I can only imagine that SA tour has given invaluable experience to this exciting winger. Be a big year ahead.
Breakthrough Player of the Year Brian Gleeson has had a lot of hype from the Irish press as the next Peter O’Mahony in Munster Red. An imposing back rower who excelled in Munster Academy system has secured a pro contract in the summer and some game time this year will really put his skills on show. Whether he matches the hero status of POM is yet to be seen but the Cork faithful can always hope.
Expected Finish : 4th (Out in the Semi’s)
Ospreys
Ins:
William Greatbanks – Soyaux Angoulême
Phil Cokanasiga – Leicester Tigers
Steffan Thomas – Scarlets
Kieran Hardy – Scarlets
Outs:
George North – Provence
Jack Regan – Toyota Industries Shuttles
Nicky Smith – Leicester Tigers
Toby Fricker – New England Free Jacks
Cam Jones – Cornish Pirates
Alex Cuthbert – released
Mat Protheroe – released
Chris Moore – released
Dom Morris – released
Another challenging year for the Finance Department led to a frustrating season for the previous Welsh Galacticos side. Despite off-the-field drama tho Ospreys gave a good showing in Europe and a few stand out performances (mainly Welsh Derbies) in the URC. The loss of George North will hurt from a leadership perspective amongst what is a very young backline but a pack littered with internationals including both Welsh Captains and the likes of Owen Williams and Welsh 9 Kieran Hardy – a team that was on the brink of bankruptcy and my punt at overachivever this year – Ospreys could be the shining light of Welsh Rugby.
Player to Watch A cool head on young shoulders. Dan Edwards at flyhalf had moments of icy veined brilliance last year with a few last minute match winners as well as some cool under pressure showings in Europe which has given him a vice like grip on that Ospreys 10 jersey. The iconic Welsh 10 Jersey has fallen on torrid times of late since the retirement of Ospreys legend Dan Biggar. Series of disjointed performance has left the door open for a young 10 to grab the opportunity with both hands – I think Edwards has the goods.
Breakthrough Player of the Year Morgan Morse. A rainy day at the brewery field, a pitch similar to The Somme and an open articulated lorry as a stand set the stage for one of the trys of the season from the 20 year old number 8. The kid has it all size, power, good feet and a strong head on his shoulders. The O’s are spoiled at 8 with similar namesake and perpetual MOM Morgan Morris ahead of Mr Morse but this kid has a massive massive future and hopefuly a big season in Black in West Wales.
Expected Finish : 6th (Out in the Quarters)
Scarlets
Ins:
Marnus van der Merwe – Cheetahs
Alec Hepburn – Exeter Chiefs
Henry Thomas – Castres
Max Douglas – Canon Eagles
Blair Murray – Canterbury
Rhodri Lewis – Ospreys
Ellis Mee – Nottingham
Outs:
Steffan Thomas – Ospreys
Kieran Hardy – Ospreys
Iwan Shenton – Ampthill
Joe Jones – Doncaster Knights
Johnny McNicholl – Crusaders
Henry Thomas – Castres
Ryan Conbeer – released
Jonathan Davies – released
Luca Giannini – released
Iestyn Gwilliam – released
Dan Jones – released
Wyn Jones – released
Lewis Morgan – released
Eduan Swart – released
Callum Williams – released
Scott Williams – released
Teddy Leatherbarrow – released
Ken Owens – retired
Samson Lee – retired
Scarlet Fever is well and truly on its way out. Llanelli RFC ceasing operations last year and now the mass release through retirement and non renewal of nearly 400 caps see’s Llanelli looking a little bit worse for wear. No Sheriff, No Fox Davies, No Scott Williams even Kieran Hardy has taken his skills to Swansea- I fear this could be a very long year for Dwayne Peels side. With finances as they are and with the talk of three not four regions being the ever present debate in Welsh Rugby – given its proximity to Ospreylia, a poor showing this year could be the final nail in the coffin for this once great club – I hope not.
Player to Watch aine Plumtree is a player that came with a reputation courtesy of his grandmother and Warren Gatland but with little knowledge from the Welsh public. He was thrust straight into the World Cup Squad before even laying a stud on a regional field and this was met with a lot of push back from the passionate Welsh Fans. This his first full season as a Welsh Regional player and with more caps for Wales than Scarlets – this is his year to prove his mettle at the regional level and gain the trust of the West is Best faithful. After some strong showings for Wales against Australia, I think hes one for the future.
Breakthrough Player of the Year Carwyn Tuipolotu. Another from the Tuipolotu lineage with a huge future. 6’2 and 20stone of West Walean Tongan Power. A good run of games and building some partnerships with Lousi, Fifita and Macleod I think this could be a groundbreaking year for the cousin of fellow No.8s Taulupe Faletau and Billy Vunipola. If the Scarlets pack can go forward – Tuipolotu will wreak havoc.
Expected Finish : 15th
Hollywoodbets Sharks
Ins:
Jordan Hendrikse – Emirates Lions
André Esterhuizen – Harlequins
Emmanuel Tshituka – Emirates Lions
Jason Jenkins – Leinster
Trevor Nyakane – Racing 92
Outs:
Le Roux Roets – Sale Sharks
Werner Kok – Ulster
Aphiwe Dyantyi – Vodacom Bulls
Boeta Chamberlain – Vodacom Bulls
Joel Hintz – Western Force
Curwin Bosch – Brive
Hyron Andrews – Sale Sharks
Sikhumbuzo Notshe – Montauban
Rohan Janse van Rensburg – Canon Eagles (short-term), Bordeaux (permanent)
Simon Miller – released
Zee Mkhabela – released
Anthony Volmink – released
Lionel Cronje – released
Kerron van Vuuren – released
Murray Koster – released
Nevaldo Fleur – released
Kabous Bezuidenhout – released
Challenge Cup Champions but URC disaster the Hollywood Bet Sharks. Unthinkable with the talent on the roster that they could underperform so much for their club side – a great European Run papering over the cracks over what was a poor season. Coach Rassie even making fun of the great Eben Etezbeth in a recent presser over his sides frequency under the poles watching conversions. No way they will be as poor this year in the league and the route one running of Harlequin fan favourite Esterhuizen will introduce a style of play that they previously craved ….and the pack well they speak for themselves. Expect more from them this year…..but not much more.
Player to Watch Cool as you like at the back and with the ambition and wide eyed enthusiasm to run it from anywheree, Aphele Fassi had a year to remember last year. Effortless counter attack from full back led to some wonder tries for the Sharks, hopefully this year with better results and more attention to the league the backs can start firing even more and we can see this wonder kid in action even more.
Breakthrough Player of the Year Siya Masuku. Another exciting new African Fly Half of the conveyor belt in Rassies RSA. Started only 10 games across all competitions last year but showed elements of real class and excitement in every game he played winning 4 man of the match awards out of his 10 starts. Pure Class and not the youngest 10 in the game (see Sasha) but Masuku will be come a house hold name this year.
Expected Finish : 9th
DHL Stormers
Ins:
Steven Kitshoff – Ulster
JD Schickerling – Kobelco Kobe Steelers
Dave Ewers – Ulster Rugby
Outs:
Jarrod Taylor – Scarlets
Juan de Jongh – retired
Cornel Smit – Vodacom Bulls
Kwenzo Blose – Exeter Chiefs
Tristan Leyds – South Africa 7s
Nama Xaba – Vodacom Bulls
Hacjivah Dayimani – Racing 92
Kade Wolhuter – Lions
Simon Miller – released
Godlen Masimla – released
Lee-Marvin Mazibuko – released
Chris Hollis – Dragons
Chad Solomon – released
Junior Pokomela – released
Leon Lyons – released
Mnombo Zwelendaba – released
Took to “European Rugby” like a duck to water. Final Win, Final Runner Up and then out in the QF to the eventual champions Glasgow, not a bad CV for your first 3 years in the league. The Stormers have a huge squad and adapt to squad rotation through league and European championships with ease which has seen them to great success across all comps. I see more of the same this year and with three world class operators at Quarter Back/ Fly- half in Willemse/ Libbok/ Mngomezulu – I see a consistent run of performances and a late final run.
Player to Watch Sacha Mngomezulu. Proved it domestically, proved it interantionaly against the AB’s. This kid is the real deal! 22 years old, world at his feet. Coaching decisions aside if he can get a consistent hold on that 10 Jersey and keep Libbok to the bench you will see this young man reach DuPont levels of notoriety.
Breakthrough Player of the Year Interchangeable with players to watch to be honest but Evan Roos is just a living example of how F’n good the SA Backrow depth is. Dominant sometimes comical dominance on the front foot last year for the Stormers 8 led to a Springbok appearance in the Qatar Airways Cup against Wales with a siimilar muscular showing. Showing glimmers of Schalk burger in his relentless aggressive running and defense – Evan Roos deserves more time on the international stage – I don’t know where they fit him in (see Hannekom) but I hope they do.
Expected Finish : 2nd and Lose in Dublin Final
Ulster
Ins:
Werner Kok – Hollywoodbets Sharks
Aidan Morgan – Hurricanes
Michael McDonald - Connacht
Outs:
Billy Burns – Munster
Steven Kitshoff – Stormers
Greg Jones – released
Will Addison – Sale Sharks
Dave Ewers – released
James French – released
Shea O’Brien – released
Angus Curtis – retired
Luke Marshall – retired
Uslter have mastered the art of “not having too many internationals in their team”. Similar to the Scarlets Championship winning side of of 2016/17, Ulster have a squad of players who are just not good enough for International Rugby, but could do a job if called upon. What this creates is a consistent base of great club players that always gives Ulster a strong league showing but unfortuante success rate in the knock out stages. With the loss of Billy Burns and the lack of replacement at Fly-Half I see this being a long year for the Ulstermen.
Player to Watch Dave Mccann. Last years Player of the Year for Ulster and a very destructive and nuisance of a back rower across the league last year. With the inevitable mass call up of Irish players to the Lions next year I wouldn’t be surprised if Mccann gets a nod for a secondary tour with the Irish team next summer.
Breakthrough Player of the Year Harry Sheridan is a 6”5 111kg Lock/ Backrower who very much fits the mould of the modern Irish 5.5. A lock who can play blind side as well as do the grunt of the boiler room is very much in vogue thanks to the excellent displays of a certain Tadgh Beirne. I see this being a breakthrough year for the 22 year old and a stepping stone into the Irish setup.
Expected Finish : 10th
Zebre Parma
Ins:
Giacomo Da Re – Benetton
Giovanni Quattrini – Capitolina
Bruno Valeesi – Viadana
Outs:
Riccardo Genovese – Benetton
Tommaso Boni – Old Glory DC
Jake Polledri – retired
Antoni Rizzi – released
Pierre Bruno – released
Tiff Eden – released
Taina Fox-Matamua – released
Riccardo Genovese – released
Josh Kaifa – released
Marco Manfredi to – Benetton
Alessio Sanavia – released
Franco Smith Jr – released
Liam Zocchi-Dommann – released
With the least amount of clean breaks, 2nd to last metres gained and 3rd to last tries ,points and offloads its no secret that Zebres biggest issues is a blunt attack. They have flashes of italian flair and some real firepower int the back 3, but without some sort of attacking structure and coaching it will be more of the same for the Parma team. They need to follow the model set by the Italian national team and start unlocking defences through the middle before they see any growth as a team.
Player to Watch Lorenzo Pani in the blue of Italy looked like a genuine world beater during the 6 Nations (Cries in Welsh). Effortless balanced running, relentless support line runnning and excellent postiional work in defence, Pani is legit. Whetehr Zebre can keep hold of him after this season is yet to be seen – but while he is there – he is a player to watch,
Breakthrough Player of the Year Italian U20’s Captain Giacomo Ferrari recently signed a 5 year contract with the club to see him through his formative years as a back row beast. Like his name suggests he is fast, powerful and no stranger to the highest level and at 22, this will be his defining year for Zebre. If the big boys at the front led by Danilo Fischetti get good front foot scrum ball then expect Ferrari to make a name for himself this season.
Expected Finish : 16th