Looking across the board - with the Welsh quartet, Leinster and Munster all stronger - in theory this should be an even tougher season for Connacht.

What's more, the IRFU's halfway house vis-à-vis Celtic League places determining European ranking for the big three, means Connacht are the only one of the 11 sides not allowed to determine their own destiny. A big onus rests on Conor McPhillips to maintain his impressive first season, especially as Wayne Munn's finishing will be missed.

Another Parker Pen run would prove a distraction, but they will be the most "together" side around and with Michael Bradley again juggling the resources they could be durable when others aren't.

In: James Downey (Clontarf, dev contract)), Pieter Myburgh (GRAN Parma), Niall O'Brien (Clontarf, dev contract), David Slemen (Orrell), Tom Tierney (Leicester), Stephen Knoop (Western Province), Paul Warwick (New South Wales), Tony Buckley (Shannon, upgraded), Henry Bourke (Galwegians, upgraded), Dave Kelly (Buccaneers, upgraded), Brendan O'Connor (Cork Con, upgraded).

Out: Fabien Boiroux (Pau), Damien Browne (Northampton), Thomas Carter (released), Mike McCarthy (Newcastle), Shane Moore (released), Dave Hewitt (released), Wayne Munn (retired), Tim Allnutt (retired), Warren O'Kelly (retired), Marnus Uijs (retired).

Coach: Michael Bradley.

Last season: 9th.

Odds: 8/1.

Forecast: 8th.