Northampton were left to rue what could have been last term, will the new season see a change of fortunes?
Saints out for redemption
Northampton were left ruing what could have been last season.
Having been challenging on three fronts, the Saints eventually finished the season trophy-less - with Jim Mallinder's side overcome in the Heineken Cup final by Leinster, and Leicester knocking them out in the play-off semi-finals.
The Saints, though, have a side packed full of quality as well as a highly-respected coaching team.
They have also recruited well - with the quality of their additions looking better than those who have left.
There is a league of nations feel about their new signings, with players from America, Wales, Russia, Spain, Samoa and England arriving in the summer.
The addition of England's Paul Doran-Jones to their already talented front row is the marquee signing, with American Samu Manoa and rising star James Craig also added to the pack.
The majority of the additions have come in the backs with Martin Roberts and Ryan Lamb adding competition at half-back, with George Pisi coming in to bolster the midfield.
On the wing Russian Vasily Artemiev will look to impress and Noah Cato is out to kick-start his career, with Spaniard Cesar Sempere offering cover at full-back.
The hugely versatile Tom May also returns to England after a two-year stint in France with Toulon.
Of those who have headed for the Franklin Gardens exit, Bruce Reihana and Joe Ansbro will be missed - with Shane Geraghty failing to settle at the club.
Skysports.com prediction: There is little doubting the Saints appear to have everything in place to succeed. They have the best pack in the Premiership and a number of exciting backs - and they now look to have addressed the issues over their strength-in-depth during the international periods. Spurred on by the hurt of last season, Northampton have the potential to go all the way this time around.
2nd (Beaten finalists).
Director of rugby: Jim Mallinder.
Captain: Dylan Hartley.
Sky Bet odds: 4/1.
Last season: 4th
In: Paul Doran-Jones (Gloucester), Samu Manoa (San Francisco Golden Gate RFC), James Craig (Leeds Carnegie), Martin Roberts (Scarlets), Ryan Lamb (London Irish), Tom May (Toulon), George Pisi (Clermont Auvergne), Noah Cato (Saracens), Vasily Artemiev (VVA-Podmoskovye Monino), Cesar Sempere (Nottingham)
Out: Regardt Dreyer (released), Dan Sanderson (Moseley), Mark Easter (Sale Sharks), Shane Geraghty (Brive), Joe Ford (Leeds Carnegie), Joe Ansbro (London Irish), Matt Cornwell (Mogliano), Bruce Reihana (Bordeaux), Ryan Powell (retired), Dan Vickerman (Waratahs)
Key man - Phil Dowson: Arguably one of the best flankers in the Premiership, his omission from the international set-up continues to baffle. However England's loss, is Northampton's gain with the tough-tackling Dowson set to be available for those crucial weeks at the start of the season.
