Ballymena

Captain: Gary Longwell.

Coaches: Andre Bester (SA), Peter Millar.

Overseas player: Rhys Botha (SA).

Last five seasons: 7th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 4th.

Coach's view (Bester): "The players have my mentality, and are focusing on what's coming in February. To win three out of five in December would leave you in good shape, but from the end of March on you really have to be on top of your game. I'm confident we'll be there or thereabouts."

Odds (courtesy of Paddy Powers): 11/1.

Prospects: Should benefit from last couple of campaigns. Lost key players in another big summer changeover, but still have game-breakers, especially the Botha/Stewart midfield axis. Top four contenders.

In: Neil Doak (scrumhalf, Malone); Lauren Stewart (prop, Malone); Brad Free (scrumhalf, Bective); Russell Nelson (flanker, SA); Paul Shields (hooker, Instonians); Ajay Dervan (outhalf, NZ); Cois Beukes (lock, SA); George Truelove (back row, London Broncos); Andrew Maxwell (wing, RBAI); Scott Young (wing, Campbell College); Greg Maxwell (centre, Campbell College).

Out: Chris McCarey (back row, Belfast Harlequins); Simon Mason (full back, Stade Francais); Simon Broughton (outhalf, DLSP); Mark Edwards (scrumhalf, Cambridge Univ); Dion O'Cuinneagain (back row, SA); David Andrews (outhalf, City of Derry); Aaron Gamble (prop, City of Derry); Mark Beattie (scrumhalf, retired) Ryan Fisher (hooker, SA); Darryl O'Kane (back row, NZ).

Belfast Harlequins

Captain: Gerard O'Loan.

Coaches: Brian Robinson, Willie Gribben, Michael Rainey.

Overseas player: Kevin Rabie (SA).

Last five seasons: -, -, -, -, 3rd (D2).

Coach's view (Robinson): "We're setting ourselves short-term goals - we're not looking at the bigger picture as such - and we've reached them so far. We've a pretty settled side, we've the confidence from winning the Cup and going into it I couldn't ask for any more. But it's a big step up."

Odds: 40/1.

Prospects: A club on the up, buoyed further by post-promotion optimism, the advent of an all-Ulster front row, a well-balanced second row, the addition of the promising McCarey and very useful halves, with Niall Malone busting a gut. Should consolidate before big move to revamped Deramore next season.

In: Kevin Rabie (lock, SA); Chris McCarey (back row, Ballymena); Clem Boyd (prop, Bath); Richie Weir (hooker, Portadown); Robin Morrow (wing, Rugby), Neil Best (flanker, Malone); Ross Collins (full back, Malone); David Irwin (lock, Newcastle); Neil Beggs (wing, QUB) Out: Aleric Turtle (centre, Ballynahinch); Spencer Bromley (wing, Worcester); Richie Stevens (centre, Lisburn); Greg Bell (lock, CIYMS); Mark Roberts (number eight, Larne)

Blackrock College

Captain: Leo Cullen.

Coaches: Kevin West (NZ), Philip Doyle.

Overseas player: Nathan Turner (Aus).

Last five seasons: 9th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 1st (D2).

Coach's view (West): "We would certainly want to be comfortably ensconced rather than be struggling at the foot of the table, as has been the case for the last few years. We'll play an inclusive game and, if the weather permits, keep the ball in hand rather than give it to the opposition."

Odds: 12/1.

Prospects: Consolidation would be a solid achievement for the relative AIL underachievers. Brian O'Driscoll is likely to be missed a fair amount, though the December return of Emmet Farrell is a bonus, as is the acquisition of Nathan Turner and greater depth all round. Will entertain, too.

In: Nathan Turner (utility back, Aus); Conor Kilroy (full back, Buccaneers); Andrew Greeley (centre, NZ); Trevor Hogan (lock, Dublin Univ); Conor Buckley (wing, Dublin Univ); Greg Duffy (centre, Dublin Univ); Paul Noble (wing, Clontarf); Andrew O'Neill (centre, Lansdowne); David Popplewell (scrumhalf, Old Wesley; John Fitzgerald (lock, UCC); Dan McGettigan (back row, Greystones); Ross Murphy (back row, Naas).

Out: Michael Roche (centre, Australia); David Quinlan (centre, Cambridge Univ); John Griffiths (lock, NZ); Michael Price (wing, Aus); Hubie Kos (lock, retired).

Buccaneers

Captain: Joe McVeigh.

Coaches: Brian Rigney, Greg Austin.

Overseas player: Kevin Barrett (lock, NZ).

Last five seasons: 8th (D3), 1st (D3), 2nd (D2), 3rd (btn s-f), 9th.

Coach's view (Rigney): "We've had a big turnaround in playing resources, but we're pretty pleased with the squad we have. It's a new back line, which could take time to gel, but I think our pack is as good as anything in the competition. Our goal would be a top-four position."

Odds: 18/1.

Prospects: Little form to go on, though defeat to Galwegians doesn't augur too well. Summer turnover suggests gelling difficulties, and while they'll be particularly tough to beat at home (nine wins out of 11 since promotion), Buccs may again be a bit limited, with discipline an Achilles heel.

In: Paul Whittaker (centre, Bristol); Darren Yapp (wing, Bristol); Matt Walker (wing, Rotherhanm); Craig Brownlie (back row, Clontarf); Kevin Barrett (lock, NZ); Ian Dillon (flanker, Young Munster); Chris Keane (scrumhalf, Skerries); Ted Robinson (scrumhalf, France), Conor Finn (flanker, Aus)

Out: Conor Kilroy (full back, Blackrock); Tom Stuart-Trainor (wing, DLSP); Owen Cobbe (utility back, Wanderers); Mel Deane (centre, Sale); Gavin Webster (lock, Worcester); Martyn Steffert (number eight, NZ); Des Rigney (back row, retired); Stephen McIvor (scrumhalf, Norman Rusk (hooker, NZ)

Clontarf

Captain: Pat Ward.

Coaches: Alex Wyllie (NZ), Greg Howard.

Overseas player: Ben Grissing (NZ).

Last five seasons: 9th (D2), 1st (D2), 7th, 10th, 12th.

Coach's view (Wyllie): "We've got more depth, though whether we're that much stronger only time will tell. I'd hope that we wouldn't have to go through what we went through last season."

Odds: 66/1.

Prospects: Look to have more depth and appear to have bulked up a bit up front, but the escapologists of the last two seasons needed to for a 15-game programme. Need to win at least one of December home games against Buccs and Dungannon to avert weary here-we-go-again syndrome.

In: Philip Quinn (prop, NZ); Kevin Keane (lock, Shannon); Donal Sheehan (lock, Cork Con); Shane McEntee (flanker, Lansdowne); Kevin Nowlan (full back, Wanderers); Bobby Baggot (flanker, Wanderers); Peter McQuillan (prop, Lansdowne); Adrian Clarke (prop, Aer Lingus); Terry Knox (scrumhalf, West Hartlepool); Roddy Nowlan (wing, Wanderers); Gerard Fraser (utility back, NZ); Ben Grissing (lock, NZ); Padraig Lynn (back row, Mullingar) Out: Bernard Jackman (hooker, Sale); Craig Brownlie (back row, Buccaneers); Colm Power (lock, Young Munster); Stu Forster (scrumhalf, NZ); Paul Noble (wing, Blackrock); Darren Leonard (flanker, Co Carlow); Robert Casey (centre, retired); Jamie Ball (lock, NZ)

Cork Constitution

Captain: Ultan O'Callaghan.

Coaches: Brian Hickey, John Barry.

Overseas player: Craig Taylor (Aus).

Last five seasons: 3rd, 6th, 5th, 2nd (champions), 6th.

Coach's view (Hickey): "We're going into a bit of a grey area in terms of player availability and we've only had one game which was even close to a competitive match in the 16 games we've played. The top four is very much what we're aiming for. If you get there, you step up the assault. But a good start is very important to us, because it's been a problem for the last couple of years."

Odds: 9/1.

Prospects: Established power, with good coaching transition from within, several unused contracted players and unbeaten two years at home. But O'MearaO'Gara axis was mostly unbroken in that time. Their prospective withdrawals could hurt Con.

In: Denis O'Dowd (wing, Young Munster); Niall Kenneally (wing, UCC); Ronan O'Donovan (centre, UCC), Craig Taylor (back row, Aus); Ed Thorpe (back row, Newcastle); Alan O'Sullivan (scrumhalf, St Mary's); Ollie Barett (flanker, Dolphin); Fergus McCormack (lock, Cobh Pirates). Out: Donal Shehan (lock, Clontarf); David Corkery (flanker, retired); Philip Soden (prop, retired); Colin Wycherley (prop).

DLSP

Captain: Tony Giles.

Coaches: Phil Werahiko (NZ), Barry O'Connor.

Overseas player: Mihai Vioreanu (full back, Romania).

Last five seasons: 4th (D3), 5th (D2), 7th (D2), 2nd (D2), 11th.

Coach's view (Werahiko): "I'm not really looking at the top four yet, just match by match, because I realise that we've just managed to stay up for one year. We could surprise people again, we have a stronger side, but we've got to prove it."

Odds: 50/1 Prospects: Unheralded, with few stars, but no harm in that. Connacht exposure will have helped Shane Stephens and Rowen Frost, while Werahiko has bulked up front row and added strike threats in Broughton and Vioreanu. Fixtures offer two or three wins before New Year, which if taken could see them survive comfortably.

In: Simon Broughton (outhalf, Ballymena); Mihai Vioreanu (full back, Romania); Tom Stuart-Trainor (wing, Buccaneers); Mark Cross (scrumhalf, Dromore); Des Dobson (prop, Buccaneers); Andy McCleane (wing, Seapoint).

Out Karl Condren (prop, Aus); Karl Lillis (wing, Aus); John Corr (wing, retired); Pat Nugent (back row, retired).

Dungannon

Captain: Allen Clarke.

Coaches: Willie Anderson, Paul Milligan, Terry Annsley.

Overseas player: Ryan Constable (Aus).

Last five seasons: 2nd (D2), 10th, 11th, 1st (D2), 10th.

Coach's view (Anderson): "If we can get the Ulster guys and the boys who have come through to gel together, and have the internationals to back them up, we will be a formidable team. It's all about ensuring we get the best team on the park. We have to treat every game as a Cup final."

Odds: 14/1.

Prospects: Still unproven in this flight, especially on the road. Well-drilled and formidable if at full strength, but injuries and withdrawals liable to hit them hard in December and again if their lynchpin, Humphreys, is denied them much. Modest improvement on last season at least.

In: Ryan Constable (centre, Saracens); Bryn Cunningham (full back, Bective); Aidan Kearney (lock, UCD); Richard Mackey (prop, Malone); Glen Kyle (wing, Ballynahinch); Ian Humphreys (Ballymena Acad); Andrew Holmes (centre, RS Dungannon).

Out: John Patterson (back row, Banbridge); Paul Curry (back rowm, City of Derry), Ashley Balir (scrumhalf, retired); Charlie Simpson (lock, retired); Jeremy Hastings (back row, retired).

Galwegians

Captain: Barry Gavin.

Coaches: John Kingston (Eng), Kevin Dinneen.

Overseas player: Mark McConnell (NZ).

Last five seasons: 12th (D3), 2nd (D3), 1st (D2), 12th, 2nd (D2).

Coach's view (Kingston): "If we'd gone in with the squad we had last season - not a prayer. It was bloody hard work over the summer. I'm going in pretty confidently, but perhaps the biggest obstacle, historically, is the noose hanging around the necks of Connacht players. The thing we've got to do is believe in ourselves."

Odds: 18/1.

Prospects: Consolidation would be real progress. Lucky in getting away with 19 players in 14 games last season. Though shorn of regular match-winner Matt Mostyn, Kingston has recruited stealthily, strengthening Achilles heel (front row).

In: Dan McFarland (prop, Stade Francais); Peter Bracken (prop, UL-Bohemians); Michael Swift (back row, Leeds); Johnny O'Connor (flanker, Corinthians); Bryan Shelbourne (scrumhalf, Wasps); Stephen McKenna (wing, Portadown); Denver Rumney (wing, Portadown); Gavin Duffy (centre, MSJ Roscrea); Ger Brady (wing, Ballina); John Barfoot (back row, Rosslyn Park)

Out: Matt Mostyn (wing, Newport); Peter Boland (full back, retired); Neil Taylor (flanker); Ian Place (scrumhalf, retired); Jimmy Duffy (lock, retired); Nigel Carolan (wing, SA)

Garryowen

Captain: Tom Tierney.

Coaches: Andy Earl (NZ), David Costello.

Overseas player: Steve Mackay (wing, NZ).

Last five seasons: 2nd, 7th, 2nd (btn finalists).

Coach's view (Earl): "In my experience, what's behind the left hand side of the chest - if there's a bit of a pump there - and you use the top six inches, size doesn't really matter. If we get into the top four Garryowen will have had an excellent season. We're capable of it." Odds: 5/1.

Prospects: A bit of a summer drain and not the apparent force of old up front. But they have that intangible Garryowen spirit and under-used talents such as Tierney, Staunton, Keane and Crotty with points to prove. Munster's Euro progress could hurt once more, though. Will entertain and score tries again.

In: Richard Long (wing, Clonmel).

Out: David Peters (lock, Young Munster); Mark Connolly (outhalf, Young Munster); Pat Fitzgerald (back row, ULBohemians); Keith Wood (hooker, Harlequins); Barry O'Neill (centre, Sunday's Well); Connie Botha (prop, SA); Ben Cronin (number eight, retired); Shane Whelan (scrumhalf, Lansdowne); Conor Fitzgerald (back row, UL-Bohemians); Conor Fitzgerald (back row, UL-Bohemians).

Lansdowne

Captain: Colin McEntee.

Coaches: Brian Allen (Aus), Brian Glennon.

Overseas player: Gus Hamilton (Aus).

Last five seasons: 6th, 2nd, 9th, 5th, 3rd (btn finalists).

Coach's view (Allen): "We've been blooding a lot of guys and moving guys around in different positions. It's always dangerous to set yourself up, but we want to go one better than last season. Have set goal of at least reaching the top four. It's a bit like a lottery after that."

Odds: 9/1.

Prospects: Upheaval of Michael Cosgrave's year out was compounded by Leinster's error with Barry Everitt, which is Lansdowne's big loss. Severe restrictions on Shane Horgan and/or Gordon D'Arcy would also hit hard. But beaten finalists tend to come back stronger than most.

In: Mark Woods (outhalf, Australia); Shane Whelan (scrumhalf, Garryowen); Ian McKee (hooker, Old Wesley); Rory Earns (full back, Australia); Gareth Molloy (back row, Bective); Paul Barry (centre, UCC); John Duffy (lock, UCD); Lorcan O'Brien (wing, Boyne), Out: Shane McEntee (back row, Clontarf); Peter McQuillan (prop, Clontarf); Cormac Egan (hooker, Terenure); Andy O'Neill (centre, Blackrock); Barry Everitt (outhalf, London Irish); Brian Glennon (utility back, retired),

Old Crescent

Captain: David Bowles.

Coaches: Andre Human (SA), Rhys Ellison (NZ).

Overseas player: Wayne Munn (SA).

Last five seasons: 1st (D2), 11th, 13th, 9th (D2), 4th (D2).

Coach's view (Human): "We've got a bit more depth, but we're under no illusions here. Out of the 16 teams, we're ranked 16th, given we were fourth in the second division. If we can play as a unit, play for each other, then we'll get some results."

Odds: 33/1.

Prospects: Largely unknown quantity. Newly promoted, they have traditionally struggled at this level and are the relative poor relations in Limerick. However, Munster grapevine suggests they've a particularly big pack and will be rugged and hard to beat, at home especially.

In: Ian Bloomer (lock, St Mary's); Des Clohessy (prop, Young Munster); Mark Hayes (hooker, Young Munster); Darragh Kirby (lock, Shannon); Gavin Schoeman (back row, SA); Wayne Munn (full back, SA); James Quinn (centre, Aus); Andrew Thomas (centre, Wales).

Out: Glen Gelderbloom (centre, Leicester); Antoin Meaney (back row, Shannon); Dermot Davis (prop, retired); Mark Mulhaire (hooker, Thurles); Tom Clifford (prop, Richmond); Gareth Roche (prop, Shannon).

Shannon

Captain: Andrew Thompson.

Coaches: Conor McDermott, Geoff Moylan.

Overseas player: John Langford (Aus).

Last five seasons: 1st, 1st, 1st, 6th, 8th.

Coach's view (McDermott): "There is a feeling we haven't lived up to our potential in last couple of seasons. We're facing up to the reality and we're trying to get out a balanced side, mixing the representative players with youth and enthusiasm. I'm fairly sure there's enough talent there to finish in the top four."

Odds: 7/2.

Prospects: After throwing their hands up in the air over representative call-ups, they have cut their cloth accordingly with infusion of new blood. Look better equipped to cope this time around.

In: Andrew Thompson (outhalf, Bedford); Antoin Meaney (back row, Old Crescent); Brian Buckley (back row, Young Munster); David Delaney (outhalf, Nenagh); Gareth Roche (prop, Old Crescent); John O'Connor (flanker, Crescent College); Fiach O'Loughlin (scrumhalf, Ard Scoil Ris); Colm Tucker (hooker, St Munchin's College).

Out: Eddie Halvey (back row, London Irish); Kevin Keane (second row, Clontarf); Darragh Kirby (second row, Old Crescent); Brian Roche (full back, Sunday's Well); Mark McDermott (hooker, retired); Paul McMahon (centre, retired); Frank McNamara (scrumhalf, Old Wesley); Conor Bourke (outhalf, Sunday's Well); Rhys Ellison (centre, Old Crescent).

St Mary's College

Captain: Victor Costello.

Coaches: Brent Pope (NZ), Vinny Cunningham.

Overseas player: Eddie Hekenui (outhalf, NZ).

Last five seasons: 5th, 4th, 4th (btn s-f), 4th (btn s-f), 1st (champions).

Coach's view (Pope): "Defending a title is always difficult, we know everybody's looking to knock us over and we've a nightmare scenario with injuries. We have the team if things go well. At the moment we're just hanging in until after Christmas."

Odds: 7/2.

Prospects: Reduced strength in depth and marked men, especially in Limerick. With a surfeit of representative players, they're bound to miss the country's best ball-winner (O'Kelly) and best finisher (Hickie). Lot depends on their ability to field strong, settled team on dry-ground run-in.

In: Eddie Hekenui (outhalf, New Zealand); Eoin McCormack (scrumhalf, Wanderers); Craig Fitzpatrick (outhalf, Terenure); Colm Potts (lock, Terenure)

Out: Ian Bloomer (lock, Old Crescent); Fergal Campion (outhalf, Bective); Peter Sullivan (back row, Bective); Kelvin McNamee (full back, Bective); Conor McGuinness (scrumhalf, retired); Paul Higgins (flanker, New Zealand); David Lee (hooker, Bective); Alan O'Sullivan (scrumhalf, Cork Constitution); Paddy Lane (wing, Bective)

Terenure College

Captain: Rory Sherriff.

Coaches: Kevin Putt (NZ), Scott Oakhill (Aus), Bobby Byrne.

Coach's view (Putt): "While winning the (Leinster) Cup carries prestige, I would rate very little on what's gone to date. We'll just give it our best. We're hoping to have a star team as opposed to a team of stars."

Overseas player: Luke Hammond (Aus).

Last five seasons: 3rd (D2), 3rd, 8th, 8th, 2nd (btn s-f).

Odds: 9/1.

Prospects: Last season provides foundation on which to build, though three one-point wins highlights slim dividing line. In good form, should start well. Short of game-breakers, but unlikely to be that disrupted by representative call-ups. Very well organised and a palpable buzz about them. Probable top-four contenders.

In: Kevin Putt (scrumhalf, London Irish); Luke Hammond (back row, Australia); Cormac Egan (hooker, Lansdowne)

Out: Nathan Ashley (centre, Australia), Conor Gormley (centre, Greystones); Colm Potts (lock, St Mary's); David Lynagh (utility back, retired)

Young Munster

Captain: Mick Lynch.

Coaches: Matt te Pou (Samoa), John Moloney.

Overseas player: Mutu Njumiaga (NZ).

Last five seasons: 4th, 9th, 3rd (btn s-f), 7th, 7th.

Coach's view (te Pou): "It's a shame that we lost so many guys from last year. Realistically we want to stay up in this division and we want to move the ball a bit more. Gone are the days when you played only from one to eight or 10."

Odds: 16/1.

Prospects: Have paid for conservative selections with summer exodus and now face rebuilding. Looks like a tough campaign ahead, though return of highly promising Paul O'Connell is a timely fillip.

In: Colm Power (lock, Clontarf); David Peters (lock, Garryowen); Bevan Cantrell (hooker, Wanderers); Declan Edwards (back row, University of Limerick-Bohemians); Kieran Gallagher (flanker, Dundalk); Alan Rodgers (centre, England); Mutu Njumiaga (number eight, New Zealand).

Out: Ian Dillon (flanker, Buccaneers); Mark Hayes (hooker, Old Crescent); Des Clohessy (prop, Old Crescent); Mick O'Halloran (lock, Thomond); Ger Earls (flanker, Thomond); Denis O'Dowd (wing, Cork Constitution); Brian Buckley (back row, Shannon); Sean McCahill (centre, Sunday's Well), Fergal Cusack (full back, Thomond); Derek Tobin (scrumhalf, retired).