The URC is back this week as Leinster kick off the action in South Africa against the Stormers.
The Irish provinces had gained some control in this competition a few seasons ago, however, things look to be more difficult as we gear up for another season.
Leinster's victory in the competition last year has got them back to winning ways.
It isn’t the trophy they’re really after but it’s a step in the right direction and a trophy to build on.
Apart from Leinster getting the job done, the other three provinces struggled for any consistency.
Ulster fell from sixth to 14th in the final four games; Munster lost out on a semi-final place after losing a goal-kicking competition away to the Sharks, which is very respectable, despite all the changes that were under way at the time.
Ulster’s freefall saw them drop below Connacht and out of the Champions Cup for the first time ever.
You can spin the positive narrative about their rebuild, but that is a huge financial and performance-based setback for the club.
Looking through the player transfers from each province, it’s clear to see the pressure that’s coming from the IRFU with regards to reduced contract numbers and player budgets.
The provinces have been challenged to do more with less.
And more is certainly needed from them all.
Connacht and Ulster finished 13th and 14th respectively, and while Munster were plucky, they had little consistency throughout the season, leaving a trail of uncertainty around their environment.
However, while the player numbers are dropping and squads are getting tighter, both Munster and Connacht recruited astutely with regards to their coaching staff.
Munster have brought in New Zealander Clayton McMillan (above).
He should provide a fresh way of thinking for Munster.
Almost like the Rob Penney appointment back in 2012, this could be the start of a meaningful change at the province.
It’s only been two years since Munster won a trophy, but change was inevitable and there’ll be a lot of interest in their opening exchanges of the league this year.
Connacht have done good business in luring Stuart Lancaster into a lead role in the club.
With extra motivation to shine a positive light on his career after the disappointment of his tenure in Racing 92, as well as having experience in this league with Leinster, Lancaster will have high hopes in the West of Ireland.
However, this will be a much different challenge, with a much lighter squad than what he was used to in Leinster.
Connacht have also lost Mark Sexton to Ulster, while Rob Seib has joined them from the Brumbies.
Two new coaches being added to their set-up will give a fresh perspective, much like Munster, but it may take some time to see their intended identity.
From a player perspective, Connacht have only one player in, Sam Gilbert from the Highlanders in Super Rugby.
However, they’re losing the likes of JJ Hanrahan, Piers O’Conor, Santiago Cordero, Andrew Smith and Conor Oliver.
They weren’t all favourites of the last coaching team, yet that’s a lot of top-quality players to be losing considering there’s only one meaningful signing outside of the promoted academy players.
Connacht have a capable squad.
However, in the depths of the winter when players get bangs and bruises, with some of the senior players in Irish camp, Connacht can struggle.
It’s a great opportunity for younger players to take their opportunity, and under the tutelage of Lancaster, we could see some surprises coming out of Connacht this season.
Ulster have also lost a ton of experience.
No doubt there are budgetary constraints involved in the departures of John Cooney, Alan O’Connor and other first-team players like Kieran Treadwell.
Ulster are aiming to build for the longer term and invest in their youth.
Richie Murphy (above) has done great work with these developing players.
The difference between Connacht and Ulster is that Murphy was able to bring in two top class players in Angus Bell and Juarno Augustus.
Both provide the physical punch that Ulster have lacked at times.
Bell had a successful Lions tour and Augustus is a rampaging back rower that could really improve Ulster’s battle at the tackle line.
Everything after that becomes much easier.
While Leinster have also lost a chunk of players, their talent identification and production line of players is the best around.
Losing an All Black isn’t a problem when you can sign another.
The departing Jordie Barrett will be replaced by Reiko Ioane in December.
There are other notable departures too, with Ross Byrne moving to Gloucester and Cian Healy retiring after a long and illustrious career.
Leinster have depth in their squad with more budding internationals ready to make the breakthrough.
They lost a few bodies to Munster, with the loan moves of Michael Milne and Lee Barron made permanent.
Munster’s list of departures is also much longer than their arrivals.
However, Dan Kelly (above), is a shrewd signing, as well as the permanent move of Andrew Smith from Connacht.
Hanrahan has also moved back to his home club as a replacement for Billy Burns.
Like the other provinces, Munster have players that are ready to break through, some of them for the second time.
Edwin Edogbo will be a great addition to the Munster pack after a frustrating time out with injuries.
A new season can bring uncertainty and excitement. New players will break through and the landscape of the league is ever-changing.
It’s difficult to see who has the more challenging fixtures.
Leinster travelling to South Africa with a host of players yet to return from Lions and international duty will most likely put them under pressure.
Munster will travel to Scarlets, Connacht host Benetton and Ulster host Dragons.
Irish provincial rugby is set up in a way that we should see more home-grown talent making a breakthrough this year.
This could also result in new faces emerging for the November series.
There’s a lot of rugby to be played before then.
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