Ahead of the first PRO14 season we preview the teams keen to get their hands on the trophy. Now we look at the seven sides in Conference B.
EDINBURGH
Head coach: Richard Cockerill
Last season: 9th
Big things are expected from Edinburgh this season, and that is in no small part down to their new head coach. Richard Cockerill had considerable success with Leicester Tigers over a 12 year run, including Premiership titles and European finals. His signing is something of a coup for Edinburgh, especially when considering he was most recently in charge at Toulon.
As such, the 9th placed finish of last year shouldn’t be emulated this time around, with a push towards the top spots of a Conference B expected. Anything would be better than last season in truth, which included disheartening defeats to the likes of Treviso.
Opting to stay at Myreside could be an inspired decision, with a full small ground much more beneficial than an empty huge arena. They’ve got the players to push on from recent disappointment, it remains to be seen whether Cockerill can have an instant impact north of the border.
Player to Watch: John Hardie is always one to keep an eye on. His last campaign was marred by an injury that ruled him out of contention for the Six Nations, but back to full fitness, he will fancy a strong year to make up for lost time. Having signed a new deal to keep him at the club, hopes of any success will rely on his fitness.
LEINSTER
Head coach: Leo Cullen
Last season: 2nd
Having missed out on top spot by a single point last year, Leinster’s semi-final defeat to Scarlets was a cruel pill to swallow after what was a strong campaign. But if early signs are anything to by, this could be an even better year. Pre-season brought impressive victories, besting Bath being the highlight. And signings like Scott Fardy and James Lowe will both add something extra to the side, having signed at the RDS Arena.
But the loss of Garry Ringrose will be a massive blow. He’s been ruled out until most likely the new year with a shoulder injury, picked up against the eventual champions.
Player to Watch: The capture of the previously mentioned Scott Fardy is a major addition to an already strong Leinster squad. The experienced Australian international lost his place in the Wallabies side earlier this year and will be looking for a decent first season to win back his spot. An imposing presence on the field, Fardy’s experience will be hugely beneficial to a young Leinster dressing room.
DRAGONS
Head coach: Bernard Jackman
Last season: 11th
It’s fair to say 2016/17 didn’t exactly go as planned for Dragons. Finishing just one place above the foot of the table, the Welsh outfit won only four games in the entire campaign, with 18 defeat making it a miserable few months. And having only finished in 10th the year before, this season provides a real test to stop the rot that’s set in.
With a new head coach in the form of Bernard Jackman, everyone involved in the club is looking for an instant impact following the departure of Kingsley Jones. The loss of Hallam Amos only a couple of months into the season was huge blow, and his return to fitness is a welcome boost for the new boss, but he knows it’ll take more than the addition of the Wales wing.
Gavin Henson has also joined to add experience to the ranks, whilst Zane Kirchner could be an inspired signing. They’ll want to avoid the same sort of performance that saw them ship 71 points against Northampton in pre-season though.
Player to Watch: As already mentioned, Hallam Amos’ absence in the side last year was notable. His return to full fitness could be a massive plus point for the Rodney Parade faithful, having scored three tries in his six outings before picking up a season ending shoulder injury. With pace and skill, he’ll be playing for his place in the national side.
SCARLETS
Head coach: Wayne Pivac
Last season: 3rd
Although Scarlets were expected to challenge last year, not many thought they would be pushing the top two quite as they did. So when they finished third and subsequently were crowned Pro12 champions, after memorable showings against Leinster and Munster, the rest of the league stood up and officially took notice of the superb work Wayne Pivac and his side have put in to reach the pinnacle of PRO14 rugby.
Beating table toppers Munster in the final, Scarlets go into this one as the team to beat for the first time in a long time. And they’ve had a fine pre-season when it comes to adding to their squad. Leigh Halfpenny is the stand out signing, joining on a three year contract and having kept their side together from last year, Scarlets look in very good shape to defend their champions crown.
Player to Watch: Last year’s PRO12 top try scorer Steffan Evans is the easy choice for the man to watch this year. Still aged just 22, his fine form last year saw him called into the Wales Six Nations side and having been called up for further internationals, he already has a pair of tries to his name at international level. Scarlets showed they don’t rely solely on him though, as proven in his sending off in last season’s semi-final.
SOUTHERN KINGS
Head coach: Deon Davids
Last season: N/A
Welcome to the PRO14 to Southern Kings! Having only been in formation since 2009 and last season saw them finish down in 11th in the Super Rugby. Not only will the addition of Kings be a step forward for the competition, but it will also be in terms of venues. They play at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, specially built for the 2010 Football World Cup.
It’ll be a tough old introduction to the PRO14 for Kings, with a visit to Scarlets in their opening fixture. That match won’t shape their season but should they cause a shock, Deon Davids and his side will stamp their authority onto the league.
One thing that could stand against them is the short break though, having only completed their campaign back in July. Will the lack of rest have a negative impact on their inaugural year? Attempts to sign Springbok Cornal Hendricks have proved unsuccessful after he failed to prove his fitness following a heart condition.
Player to Watch: Most of the Kings squad will be a bit of a surprise to most PRO14 fans, as they’re made up almost entirely of South Africans. However, one man who might be recognised is Godlen Masimla. Aged just 25, he’ll be key to a Kings squad who could take some time to settle into the new format.
TREVISO
Head coach: Kieran Crowley
Last season: 10th
Another year and another battle for Treviso. Last year was actually an improvement, finishing in 10th ahead of Zebre and Dragons, and there were decent performances scattered throughout the season. Five wins over the course of the campaign saw them beat the likes of Ospreys and Edinburgh, but they were too routinely on the end of drubbings and that is what has to change if they are to avoid settling for bottom spot from day one.
In what is destined to be a difficult season as part of Conference B, Kieran Crowley will be hoping to continue the small improvements that he oversaw last year but task one has to be avoiding the heavy losses that have been a constant source for discouragement over the years.
Player to Watch: Much remains to be seen of Nasi Manu, who has switched from Edinburgh to join the Italian outfit. He’s had a hellish couple of years, with just 16 appearances over the last two years after a succession of injuries ruined his time with the fellow Conference B outfit. If he can recreate the kind of form that saw him captain Highlanders to Super Rugby glory two years ago, Treviso will have a big star on their hands.
ULSTER
Director of rugby: Les Kiss
Last season: 5th
It’s fair to say that 2016/17 didn’t go quite as planned for Ulster. A fifth placed finish was a huge disappointment considering the talent of the squad and although they’ve lost Ruan Pienaar, Les Kiss and co have moved to strengthen the squad considerably.
Australian international Christian Lealiifano has linked up with the side until the new year, and his addition will be a welcome bonus for the first few months of the campaign. Another season like the last won’t be tolerated at The Kingspan.
Player to Watch: Another new addition who is set to bolster the ranks is John Cooney. Signing from Connacht in the off-season, the Scrum-half has already had a strong 2017, having made it into the Ireland squad. And his addition will aim to fill the gap that Pienaar’s departure will leave. It’s a daunting task but if he can replicate his Connacht performances, he’ll certainly be pivotal to any success Ulster have.
by Ryan Hills
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