Pro 14

With just over two weeks to until the start of the new Pro 14 season, Rhiannon Garth Jones takes her pick of six players who could shine in the 2018/19 campaign.

Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale has been sidelined for up to eight weeks following a hamstring injury that he sustained during training leading to the new season.

Dragons have been dealt a double blow ahead of the 2018/19 season with forwards Aaron Jarvis and Harrison Keddie set to miss the initial phase with injuries.

Leinster have confirmed Ireland play-maker Johnny Sexton as the new captain for the upcoming season.

Ulster have announced that Australia international Henry Speight has signed a short-term deal with the Pro14 club.

Scotland international Chris Fusaro has penned a new one-year deal with Glasgow Warriors that will keep him with the Pro14 club until the end of the 2018/19 season.

In another historic move in the Pro14 league, the final for the upcoming season will be played for the first time outside a traditional rugby venue with Celtic Park being chosen as the host.

Cardiff Blues have confirmed Wales international Ellis Jenkins as the captain for the 2018/19 season.

Ali Stokes sat down with former Scotland international Alasdair Strokosch in the small town of Collioure in the South West of France to discuss the latest chapter in his career.

Pro 14 derbies will not be played on Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s during in the 2018-19 season.

Cardiff Blues have confirmed the signing of the United States of America international Samu Manoa ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Scarlets have admitted there have been no discussions about backs coach Stephen Jones joining up with Wayne Pivac at Wales.

Ospreys prop Gareth Thomas will miss the initial weeks of the upcoming season following a shoulder injury.

Cardiff Blues have confirmed the signing of Ospreys lock Rory Thornton on loan for the 2018/19 season.

Glasgow Warriors have confirmed the signing of Australia international Nick Frisby ahead of the 2018/19 season of Pro 14.

Tom James has announced he will return to rugby after taking time off while he was treated for depression.

Leinster Rugby has confirmed former Argentina international Felipe Contepomi as the new backs coach ahead of the 2018/19 season.

There is plenty of hard work to be done at Kingspan Stadium this summer if Ulster are to have anything more than a transitional season following a mass exodus.

Scotland forward Luke Hamilton will team up with coach Richard Cockerill once again after signing a one-year deal with Edinburgh.

Edinburgh have confirmed the signing of Fijian flanker Senitiki Nayalo ahead of the 2018/19 season of Pro 14.