LAST year's domestic rugby season was blighted by negative headlines as the Bloodgate scandal continued to rumble on taking the focus away from what was a thrilling campaign. Leicester Tigers won the Premiership final against Saracens at Twickenham after topping the league standings and Wasps also enjoyed moderate European success as they reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.
With the new Premiership season commencing this weekend – complete with new title sponsors Aviva – the RFU will be hoping that attentions remain firmly fixed on the action on the pitch.
There's plenty to look forward to. A number of high-profile signings look certain to make the forthcoming season one of the most competitive with a number of teams looking to make a mark at the head of the table.
Incomings
Saracens have brought in the likes of Deon Carstens, Scotland international Kelly Brown and former Harlequins winger David Strettle to help the club mount yet another challenge for the title after falling agonisingly short last year.
Leicester's pre-season preparations were dealt a blow with the news of Harry Ellis' retirement after a persistent knee injury. Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill also saw England duo Lewis Moody and Sam Vesty leave for Bath with Argentina's Horacio Agulla and George Skivington amongst the new faces at Welford Road.
The high-profile signings at Bath have seen the club become one of the early favourites to lift the title alongside defending champions Leicester. Former Stade Francais number eight Simon Taylor is another new face at the Recreation Ground as the club attempt to win their first championship since 1996.
Wasps have seen Danny Cipriani and Paul Sackey move overseas with Riki Flutey and Wales' Andy Powell moving to the London side in what could prove to be a transitional period for the club. With the club narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season a repeat performance would be another good return considering the heavyweight departures.
The new season also welcomes Exeter Chiefs for their debut season in the top flight. Rob Baxter's team beat Bristol in the promotion play-off and have signed a number of young prospects as they face the task of surviving the drop which will be the premier target for the team.
The remaining sides have also been busy trying to add to their squads but many will look to their established stars to take up the mantle and help their clubs to achieve their targets. Newcastle's Jimmy Gopperth and Harlequins' Ugo Monye will be crucial to their clubs' success as they are restricted by tight wage budgets.
Revenue
Clubs have also been boosted by the increase in revenue. Handouts from the governing body will increase by at least £750,000 as a result of greater windfall of TV revenue.
Minor rule changes last season saw an increase in the number of average tries in matches and this is hoped will help boost the attendances as well as the broadcast viewing figures.
This year's opening weekend will include a double header at Twickenham with Saracens, Wasps, London Irish and Harlequins all starting their campaign on Saturday in front of record breaking 75,000 fans.
Raising the profile of the sport has allowed the likes of Northampton achieving a record turnover last year, with the club making a profit of over £500,000 as teams begin to enjoy the fruit of the new found interest.
However, despite the current climate demonstrating a growing interest in the sport several northern clubs such as Sale and Newcastle are still struggling in attracting significant numbers to their home matches and continue to spend close to their wage budget in a financial gamble to attract bigger names.
The uncapped French league system has become a major problem for English sides as key players such as Johnny Wilkinson have decided to move across the channel, tempted by the richer finances available.
Incentive
Top English talent have the added incentive to impress in the Premiership this season. With next year's World Cup in New Zealand only a year away, impressive club form could be the deciding factors in their inclusion in Martin Johnson's squad.
With the Six Nations in February too, it's of paramount importance to get off to a good start. With European competitions are further platform to impress this season could prove to be one of the most competitive in terms of starting places as players try to make an impression.
Several teams will therefore see a number of their top stars missing on national team duty throughout the season but this has become much part of the game. If clubs can claim success at the end of the season all will seem worth it.