European Cup quarter-finalists and Celtic Cup finalists last season and liable to be the strongest of Scotland's trio again but, having felt the financial chill hitting Scottish rugby, Edinburgh probably won't have the durability for the league, especially when international call-ups hit.

Todd Blackadder's rethink on retirement is a massive boost given his huge influence but, despite Ally Hogg's development, the delayed returns of Simon Taylor (end of year) and Tom Phillip (February) due to knee reconstructions will hurt.

Meadowbank's closure by the Edinburgh council means they'll play at a near deserted Murrayfield.

In: Phil Godman (Newcastle), Fergus Pringle (Hawick), David Callan (Hawick), Alan MacDonald (Heriots, apprentice), Ander Monro (Heriots, apprentice).

Out: Graeme Burns (released), Andrew Dall (released), Carlo Di Ciacca (released), Ali Dickson (Borders), Tommy McGee (Borders), Ramin Mathieson (released), Guy Perrett (released), Conan Sharman (released), Ali Warnock (Borders).

Coach: Frank Hadden.

Last season: 10th.

Odds: 25/1.

Forecast: 9th.