Nobody circled over the remains of the Warriors more hungrily than the Dragons, who snapped up Welsh half back Gareth Cooper and Ceri Sweeney, as well as centre Jonathan Bryant, Gareth Wyatt and Kevin Morgan to basically obtain a new backline to augment proven forwards.

But the real fascination with the biggest conundrum of the four Welsh sides is their new coach Chris Anderson. The most decorated coach in rugby league, who guided Australia to the 2000 World Cup and every title going in Australia and Britain, he's cutting his teeth in union.

A strict disciplinarian and fitness fanatic, his players could respond any way, and the Dragons could be anything.

In: Jonathan Bryant (Celtic Warriors), Gareth Cooper (Celtic Warriors), Kevin Morgan (Celtic Warriors), Jim Richards (Leicester), Ceri Sweeney (Celtic Warriors), Gareth Wyatt (Celtic Warriors).

Out: Gerald Arasa (London Wasps), Neil Edwards (Coventry), Lee Jarvis (Penzance & Newlyn), Declan Kidney (coach, Leinster), Andy Marinos (becomes chief executive), Mike Ruddock (coach, Wales), Bobby Skinstad (released), Shawn Van Rensberg (Coventry), Paul Young (released).

Coach: Chris Anderson.

Last season: 3rd.

Odds: 9/2.

Forecast: 2nd.