Pro 14 Previews....Conference A and B

...PRO14 Conference A preview ahead of 2017/18 season

By Michael Cantillon

Last Updated: 28/08/17 3:10pm

 
 

Who will come out on top in the 2017/18 PRO14 Conference A?

From September 1, the old Celtic and Italian PRO12 will transform into a global PRO14 as a new and exciting season kicks off.

South African Super Rugby pair the Cheetahs and Southern Kings have been welcomed in as, for the first time in rugby union history, the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere combine to create a unique club league.

As part of the changes, the league format has also altered from a 12-team table to two seven-team conferences and within Conference A are Irish pair Munster and Connacht, Welsh duo Ospreys and Cardiff Blues, Scotland's Glasgow Warriors, Italy's Zebre and South Africa's Cheetahs.

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Here is our team-by-team guide to Conference A...

Munster

Last season: 1st and runners-up

Best finish: Champions 2002/03, 2008/09, 2010/11

What's hot: Munster enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, but finished without the trophies to show for it. The squad and management responded to the death of head coach Anthony Foley in October by playing some inspired rugby, winning 19 of their 22 league games and finishing top of the table at the end of the regulation season. They also made the semi-finals of the Champions Cup, losing to eventual winners Saracens.

Having kept the majority of last season's squad together, Munster have also added Irish trio JJ Hanrahan, Chris Farrell and James Hart, all of whom look like promising signings on paper. The signing of South African open-side Chris Cloete could turn out to be key as well.

Fly-half JJ Hanrahan has returned to Munster following two years with Northampton Saints

What's not: The management situation. Having successfully led Munster back from the doldrums of 2014-2016 to challenge for domestic and European honours, South African Rassie Erasmus has done a marvellous job in charge. Over the summer, however, news broke that he and key defensive coach Jacques Nienaber gave notice of their plans to exercise the release clause in their IRFU contract and return to the Springbok set-up.

With six months' notice necessary, the pair are contractually obliged to remain in Limerick until December, but the situation has the potential to be disastrous. Having lost Donnacha Ryan and Dave Foley to Top 14 duo Racing 92 and Pau, the second-row position looks to have been weakened also.

Munster's coaching team of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have given notice of their intentions to leave

What's changed: Can Munster replicate last season's efforts? The side played some outstanding rugby during 2016/17, but it was pretty much the same group of players which had finished sixth and exited Europe at the pool stage the season before. Can they make sure last season was not a flash in the pan? Also, how will the squad react to the ensuing departures of Erasmus and Nienaber? Will such a situation have an adverse effect on results?

Ins: Chris Farrell (Grenoble), JJ Hanrahan (Northampton Saints), James Hart (Racing 92), Chris Cloete (Southern Kings), Gerbrandt Grobler (Racing 92), Ciaran Parker (Sale Sharks).

Outs: Donnacha Ryan (Racing 92), Francis Saili (Harlequins), Dave Foley (Pau), Cian Bohane (retired), Mark Chisholm (retired), John Madigan (RC Massy), Peter McCabe (Connacht).

Ospreys

Last season: 4th and semi-final

Best finish: Champions 2004/05, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2011/12

What's hot: The Ospreys head into the season having not lost any of their Wales stars: Alun Wyn Jones, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar, Justin Tipuric, Sam Davies and Dan Lydiate, meaning they have a squad jam-packed with quality. Young players such as Davies and Keelan Giles will also get another season to progress after some outstanding displays last campaign.

Ospreys winger Keelan Giles showed flashes of brilliance last season

What's not: Their recruitment. Having only signed three players, one of whom was already at the club on a short-term deal last season in Brian Mujati, the Ospreys have yet to adequately improve the squad to the required extent, particularly when you take into account the amount of players to leave the region. Forwards Sam Underhill and Canada international Tyler Ardron will be huge losses.

What's changed: The Ospreys have now failed to make the league final for the last five seasons, and will want to start competing for honours again in the new PRO14. Having lost to Munster in the semi-finals last year, they did qualify for the Champions Cup this time around and so do have a European campaign to look forward to at the top table, alongside their league exploits. Ospreys bosses have also revealed head coach Steve Tandy has renewed his contract until 2020.

Sam Underhill has left the region to join Bath in the Premiership

Ins: James Hook (Gloucester Rugby), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Brian Mujati (Sale Sharks).

Outs: Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), Tyler Ardron (Chiefs), Josh Matavesi (Newcastle Falcons), Joe Bearman (Merthyr RFC), Jonathan Spratt (retired), Tom Grabham (Scarlets), Dan Suter (Dragons), Tom O'Flaherty (Exeter Chiefs).

Glasgow Warriors

Last season: 6th

Best finish: Champions 2014/15

What's hot: Glasgow have been one of the most active sides in terms of signings, and looked to have picked up some gems. Scotland international Huw Jones arrives from the Stormers in Super Rugby having made a brilliant international breakout campaign during 2016/17, while prop Oli Kebble, backrow Callum Gibbins and wing Lelia Masaga all look like stellar deals.

Scotland international Huw Jones has joined Glasgow from the Stormers

What's not: The loss of Gregor Townsend. While Dave Rennie could prove a wise appointment, the loss of head coach Townsend to the national set-up must be viewed as a blow. Under his stewardship, the Scottish club progressed no end and clinched their first ever silverware in 2015. Having been one of the most exciting teams to watch under Townsend, how will Glasgow fare without him? The exit of No 8 Josh Strauss is also a major loss.

What's changed: Last season's sixth-place finish will have been a frustrating one for a squad who had made at least a semi-final in each of the previous five seasons before that. With a total of 11 new signings and 14 outgoings, as well as the change of head coach, there has been a major overhaul at the Warriors, and how quickly everyone can adapt will be interesting to see.

The loss of head coach Gregor Townsend to the Scotland set-up is sure to have an impact

Ins: Huw Jones (Stormers), Oli Kebble (Stormers), Callum Gibbins (Hurricanes), Lelia Masaga (Chiefs), Samuela Vunisa (Saracens), Siosiua Halanukonuka (Highlanders), Ruaridh Jackson (Harlequins), Adam Hastings (Bath Rugby), Brandon Thomson (Stormers), George Turner (Edinburgh season-loan), Kiran McDonald (Hull RUFC).

Outs: Josh Strauss (Sale Sharks), Sila Puafisi (CA Brive), Mark Bennett (Edinburgh Rugby), Rory Clegg (Ealing Trailfinders), Gordon Reid (London Irish), Sean Lamont (retired), Grayson Hart (Ealing Trailfinders), Peter Murchie (retired), Junior Bulumakau (Doncaster Knights), Tijuee Uanivi (London Scottish), Fraser Lyle (London Scottish), Hagen Schulte (Heidelberger RK), Nemia Kenatale (released).

Cardiff Blues

Last season: 7th

Best finish: 2nd 2006/07, 2007/08

What's hot: New singing Jack Roberts from the Leicester Tigers looks an exciting capture and will provide real pace in the centre, while Wales coach Shaun Edwards has joined as a new defence consultant to great acclaim. Aled Summerhill scored a hat-trick in Cardiff's first pre-season friendly with London Scottish and the 22-year-old winger looks ready for a breakout campaign.

Wales coach Shaun Edwards has joined the Cardiff Blues as a defence consultant

What's not: The loss of young centre Cory Allen to Welsh rivals Ospreys will sting Blues fans, while only signing three players this summer would appear not enough to improve on the region's seventh-placed finish in each of the previous two campaigns.

What's changed: The Welsh Rugby Union's proposed temporary takeover of the Blues has been called off, with the region's chief executive Richard Holland confirming they made the "unanimous decision" not to pursue the option.

Centre Cory Allen had departed the region to Welsh rivals Ospreys

Ins: Jack Roberts (Leicester Tigers), Damian Welch (Exeter Chiefs), Sion Bennett (Northampton Saints).

Outs: Cory Allen (Ospreys), Jarrad Hoeata (North Harbour), Cam Dolan (released), Marc Thomas (Yorkshire Carnegie), Pele Cowley (released).

Connacht

Last season: 8th

Best finish: Champions 2015/16

What's hot: Flanker Jarrad Butler looks a super signing from the Brumbies, while attracting a coach the quality of Kieran Keane to Connacht is a massive plus.

They may have endured a disappointing campaign last year, but several of the talented players who won the league in 2016 remain such as Tiernan O'Halloran, Ultan Dillane, Bundee Aki, Kieran Marmion and Matt Healy. Connacht stalwart and skipper John Muldoon will lead the region again having signed an extension last season.

Kieran Keane has been confirmed as Connacht's new head coach

What's not: The announcement of Pat Lam's decision to exit the province to Bristol had an impact on Connacht's form last year, and considering all he achieved with the province his leaving is a blow. Marnitz Boshoff's return to South Africa is also a major shame, as a mixture of rotten luck with injuries and the tragic passing of his father meant we barely saw him in Connacht green.

What's changed: With 13 players leaving Galway, only Glasgow have seen more players exit in the close season. The change of management is a further adjustment for the province to deal with and, like Glasgow, all eyes will be on how quickly everyone at the Sportsground can settle.

Ex-head coach Pat Lam guided Connacht to the PRO12 title in 2016 against all odds

Ins: Jarrad Butler (Brumbies), Rory Scholes (Edinburgh), Gavin Thornbury (Wanganui), James Mitchell (Sale Sharks), Peter McCabe (Munster), Andrew Deegan (Waratahs).

Outs: John Cooney (Ulster), Marnitz Boshoff (Blue Bulls), Ben Marshall (retired), Shane O'Leary (Canada Atlantic Rock), Ronan Loughney (released), Nepia Fox-Matamua (released), Rory Parata (released), Danie Poolman (released), Lewis Stevenson (released), Rory Moloney (released), Ivan Soroka (released), Danny Qualter (Nottingham), Josh Rowland (Ireland Sevens).

Zebre

Last season: 12th

Best finish: 11th 2015/16

What's hot: The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) taking over Zebre has saved the club from extinction and allowed them to continue in the new PRO14. A new chief executive and directors have been appointed allowing the club a fresh start, while hiring former Ireland and Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley as head coach looks to be a coup for the Parma-based outfit.

Zebre's future was saved after a takeover by the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) in July

What's not: Only once in their five-year PRO12 existence did the club finish off the bottom of the league, and that year saw them finish 11th in 2016. Last season they were bottom of the pile again having only won three league games all season and they head into the new campaign with a lot of work to do. Losing Italy international Edoardo Padovani to French giants Toulon is a big loss, while 10 players have left the club with only two coming in.

What's changed: While the club has maintained the same name, the FIR have, in effect, created a whole new club. A new company has been formed to manage the club, which has been renamed 'Zebre Rugby Club Company' from 'Zebre Rugby Srl'. As well as the loss of Padovani, South African-born club stalwarts Quintin Geldenhuys and Dries van Schalkwyk have exited, while promising young second-row Federico Ruzza has left to join Italian rivals Treviso.

Former Ireland coach Michael Bradley has taken over at the new Zebre

Ins: Sami Panico (Calvisano), Dave Sisi (Bath Rugby).

Outs: Edoardo Padovani (Toulon), Quintin Geldenhuys (retired), Dries van Schalkwyk (Southern Kings), Federico Ruzza (Benetton Treviso), Pietro Ceccarelli (Oyonnax), Joshua Furno (Otago), Kayle van Zyl (Amatori San Dona), Lloyd Greeff (Western Province), Bruno Postiglioni (released), Sidney Tobias (released).

Cheetahs

Last season: 13th in Super Rugby

Best finish: 6th in 2013 Super Rugby

What's hot: The Cheetahs have managed to keep the majority of their squad together ahead of their move north to the new PRO14 which is a huge boost. In the backrow they are blessed with some star quality, with Springbok No 8 Uzair Cassiem joined in the loose forwards by fellow Bok Oupa Mohoje.

Ox Nche looks like another star in the making at loosehead, with the 21-year-old having excelled for South Africa A against the Barbarians in June. His pace for a prop verges on the ridiculous.

Backrow Uzair Cassiem performed well in Super Rugby and started for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship

What's not: The loss of South Africa international Raymond Rhule after the Currie Cup to the Stormers. The winger displayed his credentials in the Springboks' Rugby Championship opener against Argentina by scoring a scorching try and will be a considerable miss. "I went to school in Bloemfontein and am going to miss everything about Free State. It was my home for a long time and a big part of my life. But I'm very excited about moving," Rhule told Netwerk24.com at the beginning of August.

What's changed: Aside from transferring leagues, the Cheetahs' most significant change has come in a coaching capacity. They have altered their management set-up with Rory Duncan coming in from his positions as Free State XV and Free State U21's coach to become the new head coach, and Franco Smith moving to a Director of Rugby position. Smith coached Treviso for six seasons between 2007 and 2013 and so has invaluable experience of the league and the prospective opposition.

Springbok international wing Raymond Rhule will be departing the Cheetahs

Ins: Makazole Mapimpi (Southern Kings), Malcolm Jaer (Southern Kings), Martin Dreyer (Blue Bulls season-loan), Njabulo Gumede (Blue Bulls season-loan), Alandre van Rooyen (Blue Bulls season-loan), Freddy Ngoza (Blue Bulls season-loan).

Outs: Raymond Rhule (Stormers), Boom Prinsloo (Bulls), Francois Uys (Grenoble), Armandt Koster (Grenoble), Danie Mienie (Toulouse).

 PRO14 Conference B preview ahead of 2017/18 season

By Michael Cantillon

Last Updated: 28/08/17 3:22pm

 
 

Scarlets lifted the final PRO12 title last season, who will go on to clinch the inaugural PRO14?

The PRO14 will create rugby union history this week as the first ever global club league gets underway, live on Sky Sports.

The inclusion of South African duo the Cheetahs and Southern Kings has given way to a new league structure of two seven-team conferences, evenly split between the five nations involved.

We've already taken a look at each team in Conference A, now it's the turn of Conference B which includes last season's champions Scarlets...

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Scarlets

Last season: 3rd and Champions

Best finish: Champions 2003/04, 2016/17

What's hot: They head into the new season as defending champions having played some breathtaking attacking rugby. Steff Evans and Rhys Patchell will look to kick on after superb individual campaigns last season, and at 22 and 24-years-old respectively, there is ample scope for them to continue improving. The marquee signing of Leigh Halfpenny from Toulon looks a shrewd purchase.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has joined the Scarlets from Toulon

What's not: The losses of Liam Williams to Saracens and DTH Van der Merwe to Newcastle Falcons. Both have been major attacking threats for the region in recent years and their exits are sure to be keenly felt, particularly Williams who enjoyed an eye-catching Lions tour.

What's changed: Can they replicate their performance of last season? They will be the team to beat this season, with sides keen to shut them down and suss them out. In terms of transfers, the headline changes are the departures of Williams and van der Merwe, while Wales internationals Halfpenny and Tom Prydie and Australian Sevens international Paul Asquith are among the new arrivals.

The exit of Wales and Lions back-three man Liam Williams to Saracens is a blow

Ins: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Paul Asquith (Australia Western Sydney Rams), Tom Prydie (Dragons), Geraint Rhys Jones (Dragons), Tom Grabham (Ospreys), Morgan Williams (Wales Sevens).

Outs: Liam Williams (Saracens), DTH van der Merwe (Newcastle Falcons), Rynier Bernardo (Cheetahs), Peter Edwards (Merthyr RFC), Aled Thomas (retired), Morgan Allen (Bedwas RFC), Gareth Owen (Leicester Tigers), Richard Smith (Neath RFC).

Leinster

Last season: 2nd and semi-finals

Best finish: Champions 2001/02, 2007/08, 2012/13, 2013/14

What's hot: Heading into the season, Leinster undoubtedly have the strongest squad in terms of depth, with most positions two or three deep with internationals. Ex-England head coach Stuart Lancaster had a big impact when joining the coaching set-up last season, and has remained in Dublin, while their two signings in Scott Fardy and James Lowe from Super Rugby look like masterstrokes.

Leinster's signing of Chiefs winger James Lowe looks like being one of the captures of the close season

What's not: For all their top players, Leinster underachieved last year in losing two semi-finals, one of which was at home to Scarlets in the league, and are beginning to build up a trend of losing big games having now lost three semi-finals and a final since they last won a piece of silverware in 2014.

What's changed: Stalwarts Mike Ross, Mike McCarthy and Hayden Triggs all retired after last season, meaning a hefty bit of experience has left the squad. In addition to their two high profile signings, the Irish province have also promoted seven players from their academy, including prop Andrew Porter and lock James Ryan, two to keep an eye on for sure.

Leinster lost two semi-finals last season, and have lost a considerable amount of important games in recent years

Ins: Scott Fardy (Brumbies), James Lowe (Chiefs).

Outs: Zane Kirchner (Dragons), Mike Ross (retired), Hayden Triggs (retired), Mike McCarthy (retired), Dominic Ryan (Leicester Tigers).

Ulster

Last season: 5th

Best finish: Champions 2005/06

What's hot: New signing Jean Deysel proved what he is capable of at Munster last season and should thrive for Ulster, particularly alongside fellow Springbok backrow Marcell Coetzee, whose injuries should be behind him. Australia international Christian Lealiifano has joined on a five-month deal until January to further bolster an already talented back-line, while Iain Henderson returns to camp having impressed on Lions duty and looks ready to step up.

New Ulster signing Jean Deysel illustrated his power and breakdown ability last season with Munster

What's not: The loss of Ruan Pienaar and the situation regarding Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding. Having spent seven seasons with Ulster and excelled at almost every turn, scrum-half Pienaar was forced to exit the province this summer against his wishes as a result of the succession policy implemented by the IRFU and David Nucifora. His absence will no doubt be keenly felt.

Jackson and Olding have "been relieved of their duties" until the conclusion of a court case involving the pair after they were charged by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

What's changed: Aside from the departures of Pienaar and the suspensions of Jackson and Olding, there have been several changes to Les Kiss' coaching set-up with Neil Doak and Allen Clarke leaving the province and replaced by Jono Gibbes as Head Coach and Dwayne Peel as Assistant Coach, who join from Clermont and Bristol respectively.

Forward Roger Wilson has retired after making a record 221 appearances for his native province, while it has also been confirmed, a full year in advance, that wing Charles Piutau will leave to join Bristol in the summer of 2018.

The 2017/18 Ulster season will be the first without Ruan Pienaar for eight years

Ins: John Cooney (Connacht), Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies), Jean Deysel (Sharks), Schalk van der Merwe (Southern Kings).

Outs: Ruan Pienaar (Montpellier), Roger Wilson (retired), Franco van der Merwe (Blues), Ricky Lutton (released).

Edinburgh

Last season: 9th

Best finish: 2nd 2008/09

What's hot: Former Leicester Tigers coach Richard Cockerill has joined as head coach and he could be exactly what the club needs to restart it into gear. As ex-Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scotland second-row Al Kellock has acknowledged: "I have met with Richard since he moved up to Edinburgh and he comes across as an outstanding character who is driven and motivated to get the best out of the current group of players at the club."

For Leicester Tigers and Toulon coach Richard Cockerill has taken the reigns at Edinburgh

What's not: For the last seven seasons Edinburgh have failed to finish above eighth in the league, a trend which for a club of their size is nearing on unacceptable. It's a run which will see them absent from the European Champions Cup for a fifth season in succession. A result of their form over the last few years is dwindling attendances and this is something they will hope to rectify.

What's changed: Cockerill taking over at the helm is the major change. The club will also host all of their home games this season at Myreside for the entire campaign. If new signing Mark Bennett can avoid injury, he could turn out to be a brilliant addition in the centre.

Scotland centre Mark Bennett has joined from Glasgow after an injury-hit few years

Ins: Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors), Robbie Fruean (Bath Rugby), Duhan van der Merwe (Montpellier), Darryl Marfo (Bath Rugby), Jason Harries (London Scottish).

Outs: Michael Allen (retired), Will Helu (Timisoara Saracens), Rory Scholes (Connacht), Jack Cosgrove (Bristol Rugby), Nasi Manu (Benetton Treviso), George Turner (Glasgow Warriors season-loan).

Dragons

Last season: 11th

Best finish: 3rd 2003/04

What's hot: Ex-Grenoble head coach Bernard Jackman looks an astute appointment while the signings of Zane Kirchner from Leinster and Gavin Henson from Bristol are more high profile than the club has previously managed. The Welsh Rugby Union's takeover of the region provides increased stability, particularly from a financial perspective.

Former Grenoble coach Bernard Jackman has taken charge at the Dragons

What's not: Losing Tom Prydie to the Scarlets is a major blow, with the versatile full-back one of the most talented Dragons in the squad. An 11th-placed finish last season, below Treviso, was also very disappointing for the Dragons, and they have now finished ninth or below for six consecutive seasons. Jackman has a lot of work to do.

What's changed: Aside from the changes to the playing staff and management mentioned above, the club's name has been changed from 'Newport Gwent Dragons' to the 'Dragons' following their takeover by the Welsh Rugby Union, which was confirmed by Newport RFC shareholders via an 81 per cent resolution Yes vote. The WRU has also taken control of the club's stadium Rodney Parade.

The Welsh Rugby Union took over the Dragons and their stadium Rodney Parade this summer

Ins: Zane Kirchner (Leinster), Gavin Henson (Bristol Rugby), Dan Suter (Ospreys).

Outs: Tom Prydie (Scarlets), Shaun Knight (Bath Rugby), Geraint Rhys Jones (Scarlets), Nick Crosswell (Manawatu Turbos), Darran Harris (Merthyr RFC), Craig Mitchell (released).

Treviso

Last season: 10th

Best finish: 7th 2012/13

What's hot: The signings of fly-half Marty Banks from the Highlanders and Maori All Black Whetu Doulgas from the Crusaders look like decent captures, while Treviso have also managed to pinch second-row pair Federico Ruzza and Irne Herbst from this year's PRO14 rivals Zebre and the Southern Kings respectively.

Italy international Luke McLean has left Treviso for Premiership side London Irish

What's not: Losing international pair Luke McLean and Filo Paulo to London Irish is a negative, while the club head into this season having consistently struggled in the PRO12 for some time. Like fellow Italian side Zebre, Treviso have regularly finished in the bottom three throughout their seven-year PRO12 history, finishing above 10th only once in 2013. Kieran Crowley will hope the new league format can bring them some joy.

What's changed: Treviso are back in the European Champions Cup for 2017/18, having finished above Zebre in last year's table. The format for European qualification has changed from this season, however, and to earn a place in next year's European Cup they will have to finish in the top four of Conference B, or lower depending on if the Kings (illegible for European competition) finish above them. Either way, an improvement in their...

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