With Super Rugby fast approaching it is important to have a look at what each of the teams are doing in their preparations and who they have at their disposal.

As the teams prepare for this brusing competition there is the oppourtunity to test out combanations as well as see how the new boys go.

The Sharks will travel to French champions Toloun to test out their game plan against the Galacticos of rugby while the Bulls will take on the Cheetahs in a traditional pre-season match in Polokwane.

The Australasian sides will also warm up against each other with the Highlanders setting up a comprehensive pre-season schedule due to the first round bye.

The ‘transfer market’ has made the upcoming Super Rugby season an exciting prospect with some big names in James O’Connor and Nick Cummins returning to Australia.

Menawhile, the Bulls have bolstered their squad with some excellent former Cheetahs players.

Finally, and unsurprizingly, Ma’a Nonu has made another move – this time back to the Hurricanes.

rugby365

 

 

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South Africa:

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Vodacom Bulls:

The Bulls 2014 season was not one of their best, although they did rally late with a number of good wins towards the back end of the competition.

The South African conference was particularly weak, but the Bulls did manage to claim second spot in the conference and they will be looking to do better overall in 2015 with an impressive looking squad.

Pre-season game:

• Saturday 24 January: Vodacom Bulls vs Toyota Cheetahs, Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

Players in: Trevor Nyakane (from Cheetahs), Adriaan Strauss (from Cheetahs), Pieter Labuschagné (from Cheetahs), Jamba Ulengo (from S.A. Sevens).

Players out: Frik Kirsten (retired), Bongi Mbonambi (to Stormers), David Bulbring (to Eastern Province Kings), Paul Willemse (to Grenoble), Wiaan Liebenberg (released), Dewald Potgieter (returned to Yamaha Júbilo), Wimpie van der Walt (returned to NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes), Jono Ross (to France Stade Français), Louis Fouché (to Japan Ricoh Black Rams), Waylon Murray (to Sharks), Sampie Mastriet (to Lions), Clayton Blommetjies (to Cheetahs).

Bulls provisional squad: Dean Greyling, Werner Kruger, Morné Mellett, Trevor Nyakane, Pierre Schoeman, Basil Short, Marcel van der Merwe, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Hencus van Wyk, Bandise Maku, Adriaan Strauss, Arno van Wyk, Callie Visagie, Jaco Visagie, Grant Hattingh, Irné Herbst, Nico Janse van Rensburg, Jason Jenkins, Victor Matfield, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Flip van der Merwe, Arno Botha, Jacques du Plessis, Jacques Engelbrecht, Hanro Liebenberg, Pieter Labuschagné, Roelof Smit, Pierre Spies, Deon Stegmann, Nardus van der Walt, Carlo Engelbrecht, Francois Hougaard, Rudy Paige, Ivan van Zyl, Piet van Zyl, Kobus Marais, Handré Pollard, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Tian Schoeman, Ulrich Beyers, JJ Engelbrecht, Dan Kriel, Burger Odendaal, Jan Serfontein, William Small-Smith, Dries Swanepoel, Bjorn Basson, Travis Ismaiel, Akona Ndungane, Jamba Ulengo, Warrick Gelant, Jesse Kriel, Duncan Matthews, Jürgen Visser.

 

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Toyota Cheetahs:

The Cheetahs showed in 2013 that they were a team that could exceed expectations, however 2014 was a reminder that they are also a team that can fail dismally.

The men from Bloemfontein only managed four wins in the competition, equal to the rebels, but with a few more bonus points to come 14th.

They will hope to emulate their 2013 form again in 2015, however, after losing three big players in Trevor Nyakane, Pieter Labuschagné and skipper Ardriaan Strauss it might be a difficult task.

Pre-season game:

• Saturday 24 January: Vodacom Bulls vs Toyota Cheetahs, Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
• Friday 30 January: DHL Stormers vs Toyota Cheetahs, Newlands, Cape Town
• Saturday 31 January: Toyota Cheetahs vs Down Touch Griffons, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Players in: Willie Britz (from Lions), Devin Oosthuizen (from Eastern Province Kings), Willie du Plessis (from Golden Lions), Joe Pietersen (from Biarritz), JP du Plessis (from Montpellier), JW Jonker (from Lions), Sergeal Petersen (from Eastern Province Kings), Clayton Blommetjies (from Bulls), Coenie van Wyk (from Lions).

Players out: Rossouw de Klerk (to Glasgow Warriors), Trevor Nyakane (to Bulls), Nick Schonert (to Worcester Warriors), Hercú Liebenberg (released), Adriaan Strauss (to Bulls), Andries Ferreira (to Zebre), Rynaard Landman (to Newport Gwent Dragons), Waltie Vermeulen (retired), Pieter Labuschagné (to Bulls), Philip van der Walt (to Biarritz), Kevin Luiters (to Eastern Province Kings), Johan Goosen (to France Racing Métro), Riaan Smit (to Oyonnax), Howard Mnisi (to Lions), Rocco Jansen (to Griquas), Hennie Daniller (to Zebre), Gouws Prinsloo (to Griquas).

Cheetahs squad: Danie Mienie, Caylib Oosthuizen, Coenie Oosthuizen, BG Uys, Ewald van der Westhuizen, Maks van Dyk, Ryno Barnes, Martin Bezuidenhout, Stephan Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Jonathan Adendorf, Loodewyk de Jager, Armandt Koster, Hilton Lobberts, Boela Serfontein, Francois Uys, Carl Wegner, Willie Britz, Heinrich Brüssow, Tienie Burger, Jean Cook, Carel Greeff, Teboho Mohojé, Devin Oosthuizen, Johannes Prinsloo, Nicky Steyn, Tian Meyer, Sarel Pretorius, Shaun Venter, Francois Brummer, Willie du Plessis, Joe Pietersen, Elgar Watts, JP du Plessis, Joubert Engelbrecht, JW Jonker, Johann Sadie, Michael van der Spuy, Francois Venter, Rayno Benjamin, Cornal Hendricks, Sergeal Petersen, Raymond Rhule, Clayton Blommetjies, Willie le Roux, Coenie van Wyk.

 

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Emirates Lions:

The Lions were the surprise package of the year in 2014, they may not have troubled the top tier of the table but by their standards it was an extremely successful year as they managed seven wins – a record for the men from Johannesburg.

The Currie Cup backed up the Lions good form as they reached the Final against Western Province. 2015 will be a defining year for the Lions as they looked to keep building on 2014.

Pre-season game:

• TBC

Players in: Howard Mnisi (from Cheetahs), Sampie Mastriet (from Bulls).

Players out: Franco van der Merwe (to Ireland Ulster), Willie Britz (to Cheetahs), Michael Bondesio (retired), JW Jonker (to Cheetahs), Chrysander Botha (to Exeter Chiefs), Deon van Rensburg (retired), Coenie van Wyk (to Cheetahs).

Lions senior contracted players: Justin Ackerman, Fabian Booysen, Marnitz Boshoff, Andries Coetzee, Robbie Coetzee, Ruan Combrink, Ross Cronje, Ashlon Davids, JJ De Kock, Stefan De Witt, Ruan Dreyer, JP Du Plessis, Damian Engledoe, Lourens Erasmus, JR Esterhuizen, Selom Gavor, Lambert Groenewald, Nicolaas Hanekom, Deon Helberg, Alwyn Hollenbach, Lohan Jacobs, Elton Jantjies, Jaco Kriel, Ruaan Lerm, Luvuyiso Lusaseni, Lionel Mapoe, Devon Marthinus, Sampie Mastriet, Derek Minnie, Howard Mnisi, Franco Mostert, Tyson Mulamba, Martin Muller, Jacques Nel, Mark Pretorius, Julian Redelinghuys, Mark Richards, Ricky Schroeder, Courtnall Skosan, Albertus Smith, Warwick Tecklenburg, Armand Van Der Merwe, Schalk Van Der Merwe, Schalk Van Heerden, Ruan Van Rensburg, Jacques Van Rooyen, Ruan Venter, Anthony Volminck, Harold Vorster, Willie Wepener, Warren Whiteley, Vainon Willis, Corne Fourie, Francois De Klerk, Rudi Matthee, Stefan Watermeyer, Luther Obi, Sylvian Mahuza, Francois Robbertse.

 

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Cell C Sharks:

The Sharks topped the South African conference at the end of the regular season in 2014, however a second meeting with the Crusaders in the semifinal proved to be a bridge too far for the Durban outfit.

The Sharks are a team that will be pushing for the title and after a good start to last year’s season they will be hoping that they can keep the intensity going for the whole of 2015.

Pre-season game:

• Thursday 5 Febuary: Toulon vs Cell C Sharks, Stade Felix-Mayol, Toulon

Players in: Matt Stevens (from England Saracens), Mouritz Botha (from Saracens), Renaldo Bothma (from Pumas), Conrad Hoffmann (from Brumbies), Lionel Cronjé (from Brumbies), Waylon Murray (from Bulls), Jack Wilson (from Saracens).

Players out: Wiehahn Herbst (from Ulster), Anton Bresler (to Edinburgh), Peet Marais (to Brive), Jacques Botes (retired), Jean Deysel (to Toyota Verblitz), Keegan Daniel (to Kubota Spears), Charl McLeod (to Grenoble).

Sharks squad: Lourens Adriaanse, Dale Chadwick, Jannie du Plessis, Thomas du Toit, Tendai Mtawarira, Matt Stevens, Kyle Cooper, Bismarck du Plessis, Monde Hadebe, Franco Marais, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Stephan Lewies, Mouritz Botha, Etienne Oosthuizen, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Renaldo Bothma, Ryan Kankowski, Lubabalo Mtembu, Conrad Hoffmann, Cobus Reinach, Stefan Ungerer, Lionel Cronjé, Patrick Lambie, Tim Swiel, Fred Zeilinga, André Esterhuizen, Tyler Fisher, Paul Jordaan, François Steyn, Heimar Williams, Waylon Murray, Tonderai Chavhanga, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Sibusiso Sithole, Jack Wilson, SP Marais, Jaco van Tonder.

 

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DHL Stormers:

The Stormers suffered from a dreadful draw that saw them lose all of their tour games early in the season, this made it hard for the men from the Cape to come back.

The Currie Cup season showed a change in mentality and form for Western province, The Stormers will be hoping some of that form can run over into Super Rugby 2015.

Pre-season games:

• Friday 30 January: DHL Stormers vs Toyota Cheetahs, Newlands, Cape Town

Players in: Vincent Koch (from Pumas), Bongi Mbonambi (from Bulls).

Players out: Pat Cilliers (to Montpellier), Brok Harris (to Newport Gwent Dragons), Stephan Coetzee, Deon Fourie, Tiaan Liebenberg, Mthetheleli Fuzani (to Eastern Province Kings), De Kock Steenkamp (to Ospreys), Dylon Frylinck (to Pumas), Peter Grant (to La Rochelle), Gary van Aswegen (to Eastern Province Kings), Michael van der Spuy (to Griquas), Gio Aplon (to Grenoble), Sailosi Tagicakibau (returned to London Irish).

Stormers squad: Martin Dreyer, Vincent Koch, Oli Kebble, Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Sti Sithole, Alistair Vermaak, Bongi Mbonambi, Siyabonga Ntubeni, Mike Willemse, Ruan Botha, Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth, Jean Kleyn, Jurie van Vuuren, Schalk Burger, Nizaam Carr, Rynhardt Elstadt, Rohan Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Michael Rhodes, Duane Vermeulen, Nic Groom, Godlen Masimla, Louis Schreuder, Demetri Catrakilis, Kurt Coleman, Ryno Eksteen, Gary van Aswegen, Damian de Allende, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Seabelo Senatla, Kobus van Wyk, Devon Williams, Cheslin Kolbe, Jaco Taute.

 

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New Zealand:

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Highlanders:

The Highlanders impressed in the 2014 session of Super Rugby and will want to build on that with more solid performances from their key men.

The likes of Aaron and Ben Smith alongside new All Black Malakai Fekitoa will hope to spear head the Dunedin side in what is sure to be a tough New Zealand conference once again

Pre-season games:

• Saturday 24 January: Highlanders vs Crusaders, Timaru
• Saturday 31 January: Brumbies vs Highlanders, McDonald’s Park, Wagga Wagga
• Thursday 5 Febuary: Melbourne Rebels vs Highlanders, Harlequin Rugby Club, Melbourne
• Friday 13 Febuary: Highlanders vs NZ Barbarians, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Players out: Matías Díaz (released), Chris King (to Montpellier), JP Koen (released), Craig Millar (released), Aki Seiuli (released), Brayden Mitchell (released), Ged Robinson (to Crusaders), Josh Bekhuis (to Blues), Jarrad Hoeata (to Cardiff Blues), Brad Thorn (to Leicester Tigers), TJ Ioane (released), Willie Ripia (released), Phil Burleigh (to Edinburgh), Winston Stanley (released).

Players in: Brendon Edmonds (from Hurricanes), Ross Geldenhuys (from Tasman), Josh Hohneck (from Chiefs), Pingi Tala’apitaga (from Bay of Plenty), Ash Dixon (from Hurricanes), Alex Ainley (from Tasman), Mark Reddish (from Hurricanes), Dan Pryor (from Northland), Marty Banks (from Hurricanes), Waisake Naholo (from Taranaki).

Highlanders squad: Kane Hames, Pingi Tala’apitaga, Ma’afu Fia, Ross Geldenhuys, Josh Hohneck, Brendon Edmonds, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Tom Franklin, Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Gareth Evans, John Hardie, Shane Christie, Nasi Manu, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Trent Renata, Shaun Treeby, Jason Emery, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Osborne, Ben Smith, Kurt Baker.

 

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Chiefs:

The Chiefs were the definition of an up-and-down side in the 2014 season as the defending champions started strong then stuttered after two back-to-back draws on South Africa.

The return of Sonny Bill Williams will be a major talking point and could even be a factor in getting the Chiefs back to their glory days.

Pre Season game:

• Thursday 29 January: Blues vs Chiefs, Toll Stadium, Whangarei

Players out: Ben Afeaki (to wider training group), Josh Hohneck (to Highlanders), Mahonri Schwalger (retired), Nick Crosswell (released), Ross Filipo (retired), Tanerau Latimer (to Toshiba Brave Lupus), Kane Thompson (to Newcastle Falcons), Bundee Aki (to Connacht), Robbie Fruean (to Crusaders), Anton Lienert-Brown (to wider training group), Jordan Payne (to Waikato), Dwayne Sweeney (returned to Fukuoka Sanix Blues), Asaeli Tikoirotuma (to Harlequins), Gareth Anscombe (to Cardiff Blues), Mils Muliaina (to Connacht), Robbie Robinson (to North Harbour).

Players in: Mitchell Graham (from Taranaki), Siate Tokolahi (from Canterbury), Quentin MacDonald (from Munster), Michael Allardice (from Hawke’s Bay), Johan Bardoul (from Waikato), Sean Polwart (from Auckland), Michael Leitch (from Toshiba Brave Lupus), Seta Tamanivalu (from Taranaki), Sonny Bill Williams (from Australia Sydney Roosters), Hosea Gear (from Honda Heat), Bryce Heem (from Tasman), Damian McKenzie (from Waikato).

Chiefs Squad: Ben Afeaki, Michael Allardice, Johan Bardoul, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Mike Fitzgerald, Leon Fukofuka, Hosea Gear, Mitchell Graham, Nathan Harris, Bryce Heem, Andrew Horrell, Tevita Koloamatangi, Michael Leitch, Anton Lienert-Brown, James Lowe, Pauliasi Manu, Tom Marshall, Rhys Marshall, Damian McKenzie, Quentin MacDonald, Jamie MackIntosh, Marty McKenzie, Liam Messam, Charlie Ngatai, Sean Polwart, Brodie Retallick, Augustine Pulu, Toni Pulu, Liam Squire, Matt Symons, Seta Tamanivalu, Ben Tameifuna, Siate Tokolahi, Maama Vaipulu, Brad Weber, Sonny Bill Williams, Tim Nanai-Williams.

 

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Blues:

The Blues had a season to forget in 2014 as they sat bottom of the New Zealand conference, albeit in a very tough conference.

The 2015 instalment does not promise to be any easier and with the likes of experienced campaigners Piri Weepu and Ma’a Nonu departing the Blues will have to rely on some of their exciting youngsters.

Pre-Season games:

• Thursday 29 January: Blues vs Chiefs, Toll Stadium, Whangarei
• Friday 6 Febuary: Blues vs Hurricanes, QBE Stadium, Auckland

Players out: Tom McCartney (to Connacht), Tom Donnelly (to Montpellier), Liaki Moli (released), Kane Barrett (released), Jordan Manihera (to North Harbour), Sonatane Takulua (to Northland), Piri Weepu (to London Welsh), Baden Kerr (to Saracens), Chris Noakes (to London Irish), Ma’a Nonu (to Hurricanes), Jackson Willison (to Grenoble), Albert Nikoro (to Western Force), Benji Marshall (to St. George Illawarra Dragons).

Players in: Josh Bekhuis (from Highlanders), Culum Retallick (from Bay of Plenty), Joe Edwards (from Auckland), Jimmy Cowan (from Gloucester), Daniel Bowden (from Leicester Tigers), Hamish Northcott (from Manawatu), Ben Lam (from Auckland).

Blues Squad: Josh Bekhuis, Luke Braid, Joe Edwards, Charlie Faumuina, Blake Gibson, Jerome Kaino, Will Lloyd, Steven Luatua, Keven Mealamu, Matt Moulds, Brendon O’Connor, James Parsons, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Sam Prattley, Culum Retallick, Peter Saili, Angus Ta’avao, Hayden Triggs, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tony Woodcock, Pita Ahki, Dan Bowden, Jimmy Cowan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Frank Halai, Bryn Hall, Simon Hickey, Ben Lam, Tevita Li, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Hamish Northcott, Charles Piutau, Francis Saili, Matt Vaega, Lolagi Visinia, Ihia West.

 

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Crusaders:

The Crusaders built up from an incredibly slow start to make their way to yet another Final in 2014, only to stumble to the Waratahs at the final hurdle.

The Crusaders are always a good bet to make it far in the competition and 2015 should not be any different with their class and pedigree.

Pre-season games:

• Saturday 24 January: Highlanders vs Crusaders, Timaru
• Saturday 31 January: Hurricanes vs Crusaders, Eketahuna
• Friday 6 Febuary: Queensland Reds vs Crusaders, Ballymore, Brisbane

Players out: Daniel Lienert-Brown (released), Corey Flynn (to Toulouse), George Whitelock (to Panasonic Wild Knights), Tyler Bleyendaal (to Munster), Rey Lee-Lo (to Hurricanes), Rob Thompson (released), Adam Whitelock (to Bayonne), Zac Guildford (to Clermont).

Players in: Ged Robinson (from Highlanders), Robbie Fruean (from Chiefs), Jone Macilai (from Northland).

Crusaders squad: Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Codie Taylor, Ged Robinson, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Jimmy Tupou, Scott Barrett, Luke Whitelock, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Kieran Read, Jordan Taufua, Alex Hodgman, Tom Sanders, Jed Brown, Andy Ellis, Willi Heinz, Mitchell Drummond, Daniel Carter, Colin Slade, Tom Taylor, Kieran Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Robbie Fruean, Nemani Nadolo, Jone Macilai, Johnny McNicholl, Nafi Tuitavake, Israel Dagg, Richie Mo’unga, David Havili, Nathaniel Apa.

 

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Hurricanes:

The Hurricanes were impressive to watch as their backline ignited the 2014 Super Rugby with the likes of TJ Perenara, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane and Beauden Barrett running the show.

They will hope to bring that attacking brand of rugby back in 2015 under new coach Chris Boyd with the departure of Mark Hammett to Cardiff Blues.

Pre-season games:

• Saturday 31 January: Hurricanes vs Crusaders, Eketahuna
• Friday 6 Febuary: Blues vs Hurricanes, QBE Stadium, Auckland

Players out: Brendon Edmonds (to Highlanders), Ash Dixon (to Highlanders), Mark Reddish (to Highlanders), Jack Lam (to Bristol Rugby), Faifili Levave (to Japan Toyota Verblitz), Marty Banks (to Highlanders), Tim Bateman (to Coca-Cola West Red Sparks), Hadleigh Parkes (to Scarlets), Alapati Leiua (to London Wasps), Andre Taylor (to Kintetsu Liners).

Players in: Geoff Cridge (from Hawke’s Bay), Christian Lloyd (from Wellington), Callum Gibbins (from Manawatu), Iopu Iopu-Aso (from Taranaki), Vince Aso (from Auckland), Willis Halaholo (from Southland), Rey Lee-Lo (from Crusaders), Ma’a Nonu (from Blues), Nehe Milner-Skudder (from Manawatu), Jason Woodward (from Australia Rebels).

Hurricanes squad: Ben Franks, Mark Abbott , Geoffrey Cridge, Dane Coles, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Jeremy Thrush, Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Victor Vito, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Jason Woodward, Reggie Goodes, Motu Matu’u, John Schwalger, Christian Lloyd, Matt Proctor, Callum Gibbins, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Chris Eves, James Broadhurst, Beauden Barrett, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Blade Thomson, James Marshall, Chris Smylie, Vince Aso, Reynold Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo, Mike Kainga, Leni Apisai*, Frae Wilson, Adam Hill, Otere Black, Hugh Renton.

 

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Australia:

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Brumbies:

The Brumbies continued on from their impressive 2013 season by making it to the semifinals of the 2014 competition with a good mix of experience and youthful players.

They will be hopeful of doing one better in 2015 while pushing for another Final spot, and perhaps even further?

Pre-season games:

• Friday 23 January: Western Force vs Brumbies, McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont, Perth
• Saturday 31 January: Brumbies vs Highlanders, McDonald’s Park, Wagga Wagga

Players out: Ruaidhri Murphy (to Ulster), Luke Holmes (to North Harbour Rays), Leon Power (to Oyonnax), Jack Whetton (to Auckland), Tom McVerry (released), Lachlan McCaffrey (to London Welsh), Ben Mowen (to Montpellier), Conrad Hoffmann (to Sharks), Lionel Cronjé (to Sharks), Pat McCabe (retired), Andrew Smith (to Munster), Clyde Rathbone (retired).

Players in: Les Makin (from Canberra Vikings), Rory Arnold (from Canberra Vikings), Blake Enever (from Queensland Country), Sean Doyle (from Ireland Ulster), Nigel Ah Wong (from Coca-Cola Red Sparks), James Dargaville (from Sydney Stars), Lausii Taliauli (from Canberra Vikings).

Brumbies squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Les Makin, Scott Sio, Joshua Mann-Rea, Stephen Moore, Siliva Siliva, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Blake Enever, Scott Fardy, Tom Staniforth, Fotu Auelua, Jarrad Butler, Sean Doyle, David Pocock, Jordan Smiler, Michael Dowsett, Nic White, Matt Toomua, Nigel Ah Wong, Rodney Iona, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, James Dargaville, Henry Speight, Lausii Taliauli, Joe Tomane, Robbie Coleman, Jesse Mogg.

 

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Western Force:

The perennial strugglers in the Australian conference impressed by their standards in 2014 racking up nine wins and finishing third over the Reds and the Rebels.

2015 will be an interesting season for the men from Perth who will want to build on the platform set last year.

The return of Nick Cummins and the hard work of captain Matt Hodgson will go a long way in helping their cause.

Pre-season game:

• Friday 23 January: Western Force vs Brumbies, McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont, Perth
• Saturday 31 January: Western Force vs Asia Pacific Dragons, McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont, Perth

Players out: Kieran Longbottom (to Saracens), Salesi Manu (to Benetton Treviso), Francois van Wyk (to extended playing squad), Phoenix Battye (to Béziers), Hugh McMeniman (to Honda Heat), Jayden Hayward (to Benetton Treviso), Chris Tuatara-Morrison (to Castres), Dillyn Leyds (to Western Province).

Players in: Steve Mafi (from Leicester Tigers), Mitchell Scott (from Tasman), Akihito Yamada (from Panasonic Wild Knights), Albert Nikoro (from Blues).

Force squad: Pekahou Cowan, Tetera Faulkner, Chris Heiberg, Ollie Hoskins, Francois van Wyk ,Nathan Charles, Heath Tessmann, Robbie Abel, Adam Coleman, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Rory Walton, Sam Wykes, Chris Alcock, Angus Cottrell, Matt Hodgson, Steve Mafi, Ben McCalman, Brynard Stander, Ross Haylett-Petty, Alby Mathewson, Ian Prior, Ryan Louwrens, Sias Ebersohn, Kyle Godwin, Zack Holmes, Marcel Brache, Luke Burton, Junior Rasolea, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, Albert Nikoro, Mitchell Scott, Akihito Yamada, Brad Lacey, Dane Haylett-Petty, Luke Morahan.

 

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Melbourne Rebels:

It was another poor season last year for the Rebels as they managed to rack up a measly four wins, one less than the Reds.

2015 may be another tough year for the Rebels who have a lot of ground to make up on their Australian counterparts, not to mention the overseas opponents.

Pre-season games:

• Saturday, January 31: Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels, Barlow Park, Cairns
• Thursday, Febuary 5: Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders, Harlequin Rugby Club, Melbourne

Players out: Hugh Pyle (to France Stade Français), Josh Holmes (to North Harbour Rays), Angus Roberts (to Sydney Stars), Lachlan Mitchell (retired), Alex Rokobaro (to Rugby Calvisano), Jason Woodward (to New Zealand Hurricanes).

Players in: Mike Harris (from Reds), Sefanaia Naivalu (from Melbourne Rising), Cam Crawford (from Waratahs), Dom Shipperley (from Reds), Jonah Placid (from Reds).

Rebels squad: Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Max Lahiff, Toby Smith, Laurie Weeks, Shota Horie, Patrick Leafa, Tom Sexton, Steve Cummins, Sam Jeffries, Luke Jones, Cadeyrn Neville, Colby Fainga’a, Scott Fuglistaller, Scott Higginbotham (Captain), Sean McMahon, Jordy Reid, Lopeti Timani, Luke Burgess, Ben Meehan, Nic Stirzaker, Jack Debreczeni, Bryce Hegarty, Tamati Ellison, Tom English, Mike Harris, Mitch Inman, Sefanaia Naivalu, Tom Kingston, Dom Shipperley, Telusa Veainu, Cam Crawford, Jonah Placid.

 

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Reds:

The Reds 2014 season harped back to their darker days when the Queenslanders propped up the foot of the table, not like the 2012 season where they were crowned champions.

A lot of work is needed to get the Reds back to their best, and that has been admitted by coach Richard Graham, however the influx of quality players like James O’Connor and Karmichael Hunt may be the required spark.

Pre-season game:

• Saturday, January 31: Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels, Barlow Park, Cairns
• Friday, Febuary 6: Queensland Reds v Crusaders, Ballymore, Brisbane

Players out: Jono Owen (to Grenoble), Albert Anae (to Benetton Treviso), Scott Gale (to Queensland Country), Ben Lucas (to Montpellier), Mike Harris (to Rebels), Aidan Toua (to Agen), Dom Shipperley (to Rebels), Rod Davies (to Biarritz), Jonah Placid (to Rebels).

Players in: Adam Thomson (from Canon Eagles), Hendrik Tui (from Suntory Sungoliath), Duncan Paia’aua (from Brisbane Broncos), Campbell Magnay (from Queensland Country), James O’Connor (from Toulon), Karmichael Hunt (from Gold Coast).

Reds Squad: Ben Daley, Greg Holmes, James Slipper, Saia Fainga’a, James Hanson, Andrew Ready, James Horwill, David McDuling, Ed O’Donoghue, Rob Simmons, Curtis Browning, Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, Adam Thomson, Hendrik Tui, Lolo Fakaosilea, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Duncan Paia’aua, Anthony Fainga’a, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Campbell Magnay, Ben Tapuai, Chris Kuridrani, James O’Connor, Lachlan Turner, Karmichael Hunt, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.

 

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Waratahs:

The reigning champions have a lot to prove after they set a huge marker in 2014 by lifting the trophy after defeating the Crusader.

They have huge stars in the squad and controversial, yet effective, coach Michael Cheika will be the driving force behind them defending their crown.

Pre-season game:

• TBC

Players out: Kane Douglas (to Leinster), Alofa Alofa (to La Rochelle), Cam Crawford (to Rebels).

Players in: Sam Lousi (from New Zealand Warriors).

Waratahs: Sekope Kepu, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse, Tolu Latu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Kane Douglas, Jed Holloway, Will Skelton, Mitchell Chapman, Dave Dennis, Tala Gray, Michael Hooper, Stephen Hoiles, Pat McCutcheon, Wycliff Palu, Jacques Potgieter, Brendan McKibbin, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Ben Volavola, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Michael Hodge, Rob Horne, Jono Lance, Alofa Alofa, Peter Betham, Matthew Carraro, Cam Crawford, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau.