There is a real buzz around the Wasps going into the new season, with David Young looking to bring back the club's glory days.
New era for Adams Park outfit
There is a real buzz around the Wasps going into the new season, with high hopes the club can rediscover the form that saw them rule Europe.
After a couple of barren seasons, the Wasps have brought in former Cardiff Blues boss David Young in an attempt to turn things around.
Young, who enjoyed a successful time in his native Wales, has appointed Paul Turner to his coaching staff, with Trevor Woodman and Shaun Edwards retaining their roles.
There has been a major overhaul of the playing staff as well, with a number of last season's squad moving on.
Serge Betsen, Andy Powell, Dave Walder, Steve Kefu, Ben Jacobs, Mark van Gisbergen and Marty Veale are among those who have left along with Joe Ward and Jason Hobson.
Wasps have looked to bring in some experienced campaigners to compliment the high-class youngsters they have coming through the ranks.
Steve Thompson, Jerome Castex, Arden Perrot, Guillermo Roan, Ross Filipo, Marco Wentzel and Jonathan Poff will look to shore up the pack. Big things are expected off back-rower Poff, in particular, following his move from the Crusaders.
The arrivals of Nicky Robinson, a player Young knows well from their time in Cardiff together, and Ryan Davis will finally give the Wasps options at fly-half, while Chris Bell and Chris Mayor will give them more depth in midfield - particularly with Riki Flutey away and Dom Waldouck having had a frustrating time with injuries.
Another cruel injury blow for Tom Rees has robbed the side of its skipper but the arrivals of England Under-20s international Matt Everard and James Harris will add to the competition in the back-row.
On top of these, Wasps will look to the likes of Elliot Daly, Christian Wade, the joint-top try scorer in the Junior World Championships, Joe Launchbury, and Billy Vunipola to fulfil their potential.
Skysports.com prediction: With some experienced signings, some of the top up-and-coming stars and a new-look coaching team, Wasps appear to have everything in place for a successful campaign. After a disappointing couple of season, Wasps look a good bet to reclaim their place among the league's elite - although a lot depends on how the new signings bed in.
4th (beaten play-off semi-finalists).
Director of rugby: David Young.
Captain: John Hart.
Sky Bet odds: 20/1.
Last season: 9th
In: Steve Thompson (Leeds Carnegie), Jerome Castex (Narbonne), Arden Perrot (Wellington), Guillermo Roan (La Plata), Ross Filipo (Bayonne), Marco Wentzel (Leeds Carnegie), Jonathan Poff (Crusaders), Nicky Robinson (Gloucester), Ryan Davis (Exeter Chiefs), Chris Bell (Sale Sharks), Chris Mayor (Parma), Alex Cheesman (Oxford Uni), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Simon McIntyre (Sale Sharks), Lewis Thiede (Doncaster), Matt Everard (Leicester), James Harris (Dragons)
Out: Charlie Beech (Bath), Joe Ward (Sale Sharks), Jason Hobson (Bristol), Serge Betsen (released), Andy Powell (Sale), Dave Walder (Mitsubishi Dynaboars), Steve Kefu (Bay of Plenty), Ben Jacobs (Kyuden Voltex), Mark van Gisbergen (Lyon), Tom French (Barking), Josh Lewsey (retiring), Seb Jewell (London Welsh), Michael Mayhew (North Harbour), Marty Veale (Northland), Will Matthews (released), Shaun Ruwers (Waterloo), David Lemi (released), Dan Ward-Smith (retired)
Key man - Nicky Robinson: His reunion with Young could work wonders for both player and club. Robinson weighed in with 155 points for Gloucester last season as the Cherry and Whites reached the play-offs - although he played his best rugby at Cardiff under Young. He has a lot of exciting players outside him if he can get the ball wide.
