We pick out eight players who have a point to prove ahead of the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season:
1. Tom Arscott (Newcastle Falcons)
The winger returns to the Gallagher Premiership 18 months on from being sacked by Sale Sharks after an internal investigation found that he leaked confidential team information to Bristol before their Premiership game on 1st January 2017. He'll find it tough to break into a strong Falcons backline but will be hoping to make his mark when he's given the opportunity.
2. Brad Shields (Wasps)
Rushed into an England debut in June fresh off a long Super Rugby with the Hurricanes, Shields has barely had time to breathe this summer. The flanker will now be looking to establish himself in the Wasps team where he could prove to be a fine signing following the departure of James Haskell. He will add real steel to Dai Youngs' sometimes inconsistent pack, which could make them genuine title contenders.
3. James Haskell (Northampton Saints)
From a current Wasps flanker to an ex Wasps flanker. Haskell didn't enjoy the best of seasons last term in a campaign marred by injuries. However, a summer off, a new club and an upcoming Rugby World Cup is all the motivation the Archbishop of Banterbury will need to have a fine season. He certainly has the ability to transform Saints fortunes alongside the likes of Dan Biggar this season.
4. Jamie Roberts (Bath)
The Wales legend seems to have been around forever but he's actually still only 31, and despite being surplus to requirements at Harlequins, he still has ambitions to play for Wales at would be his third Rugby World Cup. Plenty of effort at Quins but rarely discovered his best form. Bath could be a far better match.
5. James O'Connor (Sale Sharks)
The big money signing failed to have the impact he wanted at the AJ Bell Stadium in his first season at the club, chiefly due to an ongoing ankle injury. However, with his latest surgery hopefully behind him the Wallabies international will be hoping he can transform the inconsistent Sharks into genuine top four contenders.
6. Francis Saili (Harlequins)
The talented All Black centre was also a new signing last season, joining Quins from Munster, but was limited to just five appearances due to injury. The centre has a lot more to give if he can get back to full fitness.
7. Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath)
The speedster was in fabulous try-scoring form for Bath last season before he was struck down with a serious shoulder injury, which ended his chances of touring South Africa with Eddie Jones men. If Roko is to go to next year's Rugby World Cup with England, he'll have to have a standout season in the Gallagher Premiership.
10. Michael Le Bourgeois (Wasps)
Another Wasps man who will be looking to make a big impression, Le Bergeois has been a class act in the Championship for a few years and more than deserves this opportunity to play in England's top flight and it'll be interesting to see whether the utility back sinks of swims.
