Ben Te’o is probably relatively unknown amongst most Union fans in the Northern Hemisphere. Te’o currently plays rugby league in Australia and is departing the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the same time as the more high profile Sam Burgess. The Samoan-born 27 year old is tasked with filling the Brian O’Driscoll shaped hole in the Leinster backline. Despite this responsibility, do not expect his approach to the 15 aside game to be very similar to the retiring Leinster legend. Te’o is aggressive, extremely powerful and seems to enjoy a tackle a little too much leading to him often being disciplined. He currently finds himself banned for four weeks; the fourth time he’s been charged for bad tackles in just two years and will have to learn to use his arms a bit more if he is not to become a liability. Like his counterparts who have made a similar conversion from League to Union, his success is far from guaranteed, but he does have the potential to be a damaging force in the Leinster backline.

Bundee Aki – Connacht

The fact that Connacht will feature twice in this list is testament to the development of the province since the inception of the Celtic League. Perhaps more astonishing is that Connacht apparently outbid Munster and Leinster to sign the first of their players on this list, Bundee Aki. Aki is a centre who has been signed from the Chiefs. His departure raised eyebrows amongst the hierarchy in New Zealand rugby as he had been tipped for international honours with the All Blacks. Although only 24, Aki appears to have grown tired of waiting for his chance in New Zealand and has already stated that he wishes to play for Ireland once he has gained residency there. Aki will be an absolute handful for the Pro12 defenders this year. He has a serious eye for a line break and is very strong. The centre partnership with Robbie Henshaw could well develop into a formidable one.

Lee Byrne – Newport Gwent Dragons

The signing of Lee Byrne appears to be an extremely canny bit of business for the Dragons. Byrne returns from his three year stint in France eager to prove a point. Whilst he was a stalwart in a star studded Clermont team, his decision to leave Wales led to his international career faltering. However, he has gained a little experience of his own playing alongside the likes of Rougerie, Siviavatu and Fofana whilst playing consistently in the latter stages of Europe. The fact that he has been made captain immediately is confirmation of the quality and experience that the management believe Byrne can add to the team.

Gareth Anscombe – Cardiff Blues

Gareth Anscombe is another future All Black that Hansen was disappointed to see depart. At the age of just 23 he already has three years of Super 15 experience, formerly with the Auckland Blues and currently with the Chiefs. Anscombe started his career primarily as a fly half but has been tasked with playing fullback at the Chiefs with Aaron Cruden filling his favoured position. Noted as a dangerous runner and a quality kicker, expectations have surrounded him since junior level when he was the top point scorer for New Zealand in the under 20 World Cup. Anscombe is Welsh qualified through his mother, and Gatland is hopeful that he can solve the fly half problem Wales currently have. However he may well find himself stationed at full back again at the Blues as the prodigiously talented Rhys Patchell returns from injury.

Mils Muliaini – Connacht

The second of the Connacht players to make the list, Mils Muliaina is quite simply an All Blacks legend. Only the second New Zealander to reach 100 caps, the signing will excite fans throughout the league who will get to watch an icon of the game. Although he is now 34, Muliaina linked up with the Chiefs last year and should be a canny operator from full back. His experience will be invaluable to Connacht and he has already recognised in interviews that part of his role at the province is to mentor younger players such as Robbie Henshaw. There is no doubt that he adds a much needed bit of star dust to proceedings as the League gets under way.

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