The wait is nearly over and to continue our build up ahead of the new PRO14 season, we have profiled every team competing in rugby’s premier professional club competition in Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales and South Africa.
Do you agree with our assessment of the teams’ chances?
CONFERENCE A
MUNSTER
Position last year: Semi-finalists
Coach: Johann van Graan
Captain: Peter O’Mahony
Outlook: The Red Army have real x-factor in new signings Tadhg Beire, Arno Botha, Mike Haley and Joey Carbery, and if all goes to plan, they could clinch a first title in seven years.
One to watch: Tadhg Beirne. The destructive secondrow-cum-backrow could become a real superstar at Thomond Park. He is strong, carries well, tackles effectively, a solid line-out option and is a serial turnover merchant. The 26-year-old made a record breaking 39 turnovers, 17 more than any other player.
Prediction: Semi-finalists
CONNACHT
Position last year: 6th in Conference A
Coach: Andy Friend
Captain: Jarrad Butler
Outlook: With four out of their first six games at home, Connacht have a real chance to gather some early momentum. A play-off spot is likely, but any improvement upon their nine wins last campaign, coupled with more consistency in defence, will be deemed a success.
One to watch: Kyle Godwin. The former Wallabies international can add some real solidity in defence as well as posing a threat going forward, where he has the speed in Tiernan O’Halloran and Matt Healy to unlock out wide.
Prediction: 5th in Conference A
CARDIFF BLUES
Position last year: 4th in Conference A
Coach: John Mulvihill
Captain: Ellis Jenkins
Outlook: The Blues have averaged 11 wins in three successive campaigns, and with a new Australian coaching ticket, have the potential to be a force in Conference A. US Eagles star Samu Manoa could be the man to inspire them along with Dmitri Arhip.
One to watch: Dmitri Arhip. The Moldovan prop looks a real coup and will be a formidable scrummaging force at Arms Park.
Prediction: 4th in Conference A
CHEETAHS
Position last year: Quarter-finalists
Coach: Franco Smith
Captain: Oupa Mohoje
Outlook: The biggest challenge for the Bloemfontein outfit will be the 18 departures from last year’s side – and an eye-catching 26 new recruits. How quickly can they adapt to Smith’s game plan?
One to watch: Ox Nche. The 23-year-old tighthead was named in the PRO14 Dream Team after an impressive campaign. He’ll need to be at his sterling best again if the Cheetahs are to replicate last season’s superb maiden season.
Prediction: Quarter-finalists.
GLASGOW
Position last year: Semi-finalists
Coach: Dave Rennie
Captain: Ryan Wilson
Outlook: May have lost Finn Russell to Racing 92, but Glasgow still remain frontrunners for their conference alongside Munster. With the best defensive record in the league last season, it will be hard to stop their dominance and ruthlessness around the tight areas.
One to watch: Adam Hastings. The 21-year-old, son of Gavin, has the chance to make the 10 jersey his own with his high-tempo running and offloading game.
Prediction: Semi-finalists
OPSREYS
Position last year: 5th in Conference A
Coach: Allen Clarke
Captain: Justin Tipuric
Outlook: Their nine wins last term was the lowest since the 2007/08 season – and just the third time in eight campaigns they failed to qualify for the penultimate stages of the competition. Shorn of the services of Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar, it’s hard to see the Ospreys take flight.
One to watch: George North. The Welsh international is the man who can make the magic happen at Liberty Stadium, but he is unlikely to play as regularly in the build up to the World Cup.
Prediction: 6th in Conference A
ZEBRE
Position last year: 7th in Conference A
Coach: Michael Bradley
Captain: Tommaso Castello
Outlook: With an unchanged squad, Bradley and Co. could make a real push for a first ever play-off spot. Remarkably, their seven wins and 50 tries scored last campaign represented their greatest season so far. Hard to believe they were on the verge of extension over a year ago.
One to watch: Matteo Minozzi. The elusive 22-year-old impressed during the Six Nations, scoring four tries in five games. On the domestic front, if Zebre are to go on and book a place in the quarter-finals, then the Azzurri international needs to be at his immaculate best.
Prediction: 7th in Conference A
CONFERENCE B
LEINSTER
Position last year: Champions
Coach: Leo Cullen
Captain: Johnny Sexton
Outlook: The European champions showed plenty of quality and class during their successful double-winning campaign. Although Isa Nacewa and Jamie Heaslip have retired, and Joey Carbery and Jordi Murphy have moved on, expect the Dublin side to shine once again.
One to watch: Jordan Larmour. The 21-year-old winger scored eight PRO14 tries in his rookie campaign and will be an unstoppable force once more in a strong Leinster back-line.
Prediction: Champions
ULSTER
Position last year: 4th in Conference B
Coach: Dan McFarland
Captain: Rory Best
Outlook: The Ulstermen struggled for large parts of last campaign but finished on a high note to secure Champions Cup rugby for this season. In spite of the retirement of key men, high expectations still remain for McFarland with the acquisition of influential figures like Billy Burns, Marty Moore and Jordi Murphy.
One to watch: Billy Burns. The former Gloucester man has the rugby brain and game management skills to step into Paddy Jackon’s boots with aplomb. Could be a real gem at Kingspan Stadium.
Prediction: 4th in Conference B
SCARLETS
Position last year: Runners-up
Coach: Wayne Pivac
Captain: Ken Owens
Outlook: Pivac’s loose and open game plan is exciting to watch and the 2017 champions should match Leinster again in Conference B. The signings of Uzair Cassiem, Clayton Blometjies and Maori All Black Blade Thomson are sure to bolster their attack, but the loss of key cog Tadhg Beirne remains a significant blow.
One to watch: Leigh Halfpenny. The three-time British & Irish Lion will be the conductor of the orchestra, but his minutes will be limited with the World Cup in sight.
Prediction: Finalists
BENNETTON TREVISO
Position last year: 5th in Conference B
Coach: Kieran Crowley
Captain: Dean Budd
Outlook: A stunning 2017-18 campaign for the Italian side with 11 victories, after winning just three, three and five in their previous three seasons. Improvements in their skillset, game plan and ability to play a more attractive brand of rugby make them an exciting side. Expect them to finish in a similar position in Conference B.
One to watch: Monty Ioane. The Kiwi scored eight tries in 11 appearances last term, including a superb hat-trick against Scarlets. If he can’t replicate the same figures then expect him to set up chances for other players around him.
Prediction: 6th in Conference B
DRAGONS
Position last year: 6th in Conference A
Coach: Bernard Jackman
Captain: Cory Hill
Outlook: The former Grenoble boss has a mammoth task on his hands to implement new tactics and shift the attitude and culture at a fading club, especially with 20 players released and 14 new signings during the summer. With just two wins last season, the Rodney Parade side should improve under a new chairman and coaches.
One to watch: Ross Moriarty. The 24-year-old back-rower is a powerhouse with serious strength in and out of the tackle. Along with Richard Hibbard, ten years his senior, the former Gloucester man will be out to prove why he is considered one of the most promising players in Welsh rugby.
Prediction: 5th in Conference A
EDINBURUGH
Position last year: Quarter-finals
Coach: Richard Cockerill
Captain: Stuart McInally
Outlook: Cockerill may have exceeded expectations last season with 15 wins, but he needs to improve further in a group that includes Leinster and Scarlets. John Barclay, Henry Pyrgos, Matt Scott and Kiwi out-half Simon Hickey can add the mettle they need to progress.
One to watch: Simon Hickey. The former Bordeaux man’s control at 10 and accurate place kicking can bring another dimension to the Murrayfield-based team.
Prediction: Quarter-finalists.
SOUTHERN KINGS
Position last year: 7th in Conference B
Coach: Deon Davids
Captain: Michael Willemse
Outlook: Hard to see the Port Elizabeth-based side improve upon last season, especially after 22 players leaving during the off-season. Need to show more consistency with ball in hand and tighten up in defence – and cut down on the woeful 829 points shipped in 21 matches.
One to watch: Bobby de Wee. The 24-year-old lock is a totemic presence in and out of touch. Although his impact is minimal going forward, he is one of the few Southern Kings players that step up when the pressure is on. A class act.
Prediction: 7th in Conference B
