Thursday 1 September 2016 11:12, UK
With the Guinness PRO12 season about to get underway, we take a look at the signings and talking points of each Welsh team.
Last season: 7th
Best finish: 2nd (2006/07 & 2007/08)
What's hot: The signing of hot-stepping Willis Halaholo from Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes. The midfielder will not arrive at the club until October due to Mitre 10 cup duties with Waikato, but will add an extra attacking edge to the Blues when he steps onto the Cardiff Arms Park turf. His quick feet means he often finds his way past opponents, averaging a total of six defenders beaten per game.
What's not: Losing Rhys Patchell to the Scarlets. The out-of-contract utility back had been offered a new deal by the Blues who were keen to retain the services of their academy product, but the lure of regular time in the No 10 jersey saw the 23-year-old make the switch.
What's changed: Head coach Danny Wilson has put a total of 15 on the departure list and to balance that out, he has recruited some familiar and experienced faces.
Ins: George Earle (Scarlets), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Willis Halaholo (Hurricanes), Matthew Morgan (Bristol), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Nick Williams (Ulster), Rhun Williams (RGC).
Outs: Elis Wyn Benham (released), Gareth Davies (Merthyr), Harry Davies (Bath), Tom Davies (Dragons), Chris Dicomidis (Pontypridd), Gavin Evans (Neath), Sam Hobbs (Dragons), Tom Isaacs (Hong Kong Football Club), Craig Mitchell (Dragons), Miles Normandale (Rotherham), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Lou Reed (Sale), Richard Smith (Scarlets), Manoa Vosawai (RC Vannes), Tom Williams (Scarlets).
Last season: 10th
Best finish: 3rd (2003/04)
What's hot: A new era under Kingsley Jones begins for the Dragons. Pre-season started in patchy fashion for the Dragons as they crept past Cardiff before coming unstuck to Ealing. Jones is keen to install a leadership set-up within the squad early, asking for applicants for the vacant captain's role.
What's not: The controversial and topsy-turvy departure of Taulupe Faletau. The No 8 finally confirmed he is on the way out of Rodney Parade and heading to Bath. His decision to leave the club is based on his desire to move his game on, according to the Wales international.
What's changed: The Dragons have invested in their front row, with three new props arriving from Cardiff Blues in the form of Sam Hobbs, Craig Mitchell and Tom Davies. Nick Macleod makes the switch from Sale to take the place of Jason Tovey.
Ins: Sam Beard (Edinburgh), Tom Davies (Cardiff Blues), Darran Harris (Rotherham), Sam Hobbs (Cardiff Blues), Patrick Howard (Northampton), Nick Macleod (Sale), Craig Mitchell (Cardiff Blues), Ashley Sweet (Ebbw Vale).
Outs: Andrew Coombs (retired), Taulupe Faletau (Bath), Hugh Gustafson (Ospreys), Matthew Pewtner (retired), Jason Tovey (Edinburgh).
Last season: 8th
Best finish: 1st (2004/05 and 2006/07) and champions (2009/10 and 2011/12)
What's hot: Bradley Davies returns to Welsh soil from Dai Young's Wasps on a national dual contract. He will bring bulk and a wealth of experience that could lift Ospreys back to their former glories. He is joined by Crusaders' Kieron Fonotia at the forefront of the Ospreys' summer signings.
What's not: Sam Underhill will miss the first four months of the season with a shoulder injury. The openside flanker was a standout performer for the Ospreys' last campaign, catching the eye of England boss Eddie Jones in the process. His absence will be sorely felt by the team.
What's changed: Former Wales No 8 Gareth Delve has been released from his contract after just two appearances for the Ospreys since joining them on a two-year deal in 2015. Delve is one of a number of players exiting the club including Aaron Jarvis who joins Clermont Auvergne, and Kristian Phillips who will feature for London Welsh in the English Championship.
Ins: Bradley Davies (Wasps), Kieron Fonotia (Crusaders), Hugh Gustafson (Dragons), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets).
Outs: Rynier Bernardo (Scarlets), Ifereimi Boladau (London Scottish), Jordan Collier (released), Gareth Delve (released) Matthew Dwyer (released), Lloyd Evans (released), Richard Fussell (backs skills coach), Rhodri Hughes (released), Aaron Jarvis (Clermont Auvergne), Aled Jenkins (released), Kristian Phillips (London Welsh), Marc Thomas (Jersey Reds).
Last season: 5th
Best finish: 1st (2003/04)
What's hot: The Scarlets back division is well stocked for the season, with Jonathan Davies, Rhys Patchell and Johnny McNicholl joining up with the likes of Liam Williams, Gareth Davies and DTH van der Merwe at the club. Davies' return will also see him link up with his Olympic silver medal-winning brother, James.
What's not: The Scarlets looked well placed for a shot at the title last season, only to crumble heading into the final throws, suffering home defeats to Cardiff Blues and Glasgow and having to settle for fifth after 22 rounds. Have the Scarlets blown their chance to challenge at the top, or will the disappointment spur them on to greater things?
What's changed: The Scarlets' backroom staff may have made a number of astute signings but they have also cleared out some resources too, with 19 players set to leave the club including Steven Shingler, Regan King and Michael Tagicakibau.
Ins: Tadhg Beirne (Leinster), Rynier Bernardo (Ospreys), Jonathan Davies (Clermont Auvergne), Jonathan Evans (Bath), Werner Kruger (Bulls), Johnny McNicholl (Crusaders), Rhys Patchell (Cardiff Blues), Richard Smith (Cardiff Blues), Tom Williams (Cardiff Blues).
Outs: Michael Collins (released), George Earle (Cardiff Blues), Kieran Hardy (Jersey Reds), Phil John (released), Jack Jones (Llanelli), Rhodri Jones (Ospreys), Regan King (Jersey Reds), Ben Leung (Cardiff), Josh Lewis (Ebbw Vale), Connor Lloyd (Carmarthen Quins), Torin Myhill (Carmarthen Quins), Maselino Paulino (Lyon), Jack Payne (released), Harry Robinson (retired), Steven Shingler (Cardiff Blues), Michael Tagicakibau (Treviso), Jordan Williams (Bristol), Rhodri Williams (Bristol).
