The 2009 Guinness Premiership gets under way soon with the race to Twickenham having officially started at the launch earlier today. Reigning champions Leicester Tigers are the bookies favourites to retain the trophy, just ahead of beaten finalists London Irish.
Interestingly Bath winger Matt Banahan and Wasps' new recruit Tom Varndell are joint favourites to take the top try scorer title for the new season. Joe Maddock and Ugo Monye follow shortly behind them. The top points scorer favourite is Sale Sharks flyhalf Charlie Hodgson.
Most of the top clubs have experienced a fair amount of changes, with players leaving and new players being recruited in the off season. It should make for an interesting season.
For Bath, who lost a few to the infamous drugs scandal, they've picked up some interesting signings. Olly Barkley returns, with Fijian Nicky Little also joining. Julian Salvi from the Brumbies, and controversial Springbok Luke Watson, will also be playing for them this season.
Leeds Carnegie are up in the Premiership again after Bristol were relegated. They now have South African Marco Wentzel as their captain, and former England scrumhalf Andy Gomarsall over from Harlequins.
London Wasps have two flyers joining their ranks on the wings in Tom Varndell from Leicester, and David Lemi from Bristol. They'll be hoping to have a better season this time around.
Newcastle have had major changes taking place, with the loss of Jonny Wilkinson and Tom May, they've brought in Kiwi Jimmy Gopperth from Auckland, as well as former Bok Gcobani Bobo from the Stormers.
Sale have got former England star Ben Cohen back over from his stint with Brive in France, while Saracens have a whole host of South African's having joined them under their new coach Brendan Venter. Hooker Schalk Brits from the Stormers has joined, as well as Derick Hougaard from the Leicester Tigers.
This advert, that features a whole host of the stars that will be in action, will be aired on tv soon. It's similar to a concept from years ago, but is well executed and fun to watch, so we figured it was worth sharing. The race to Twickenham has begun.
Time: 01:01
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