Tips for the season

Leicester: Although Stade Francais are now coached by ex-Springbok supremo Nick Mallett and all the leading French teams will be very competitive, Leicester are proven winners.

Zurich Premiership

Leicester: This will be a much tougher task for Leicester who have added Tournaire, the French prop to an already impressive squad. Gloucester, Wasps and Sale will snap at the Tigers' tail this season but I cannot see the champions failing too often.

Bottom

Leeds: They have bought in some experienced Springboks like Mulder and Van Straaten but the league is uncompromising and everyone else has improved.

Surprise package

Look out for Bristol with their strong Argentine influence.