NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

Centre of attention: Tom Litchfield on the attack for Saints
PICTURE: Getty Images

Champions for two of the last three seasons and beaten champions Cup finalists in between, Northampton are the team to beat.

They may not be the highest spenders but they have forged a squad spirit that allows them to ride the occasional setback without alarm. They have lost their captain George Furbank to Harlequins, three players to Newcastle and James Ramm has returned to Australia, but a list of those who signed new contracts shows their stability with Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith, ...