Last Season: 4th
Prediction: 7th
Director of rugby: Conor O'Shea
Coaches: Brendan Venter/Gary Gold
Captain: Ryan Strudwick
Title odds: 25-1

Last season

The Exiles enjoyed a marvellous campaign which saw them win their first piece of domestic silverware with a stunning Powergen Cup final victory over Northampton.

A consistent league campaign was also rewarded with a place in this season's Heineken Cup - the first time the Irish will dine at European club rugby's top table.

They looked on course for another final last season in the Parker Pen Shield before falling at the semi-final stage to Welsh knock-out specialists Pontypridd.

But with player-coach Brendan Venter directing operations and the prolific boot of the Premiership's top scorer Barry Everitt to the fore, the Exiles established themselves as a force in English rugby.

Ins and Outs

Irish will miss the experience and engine-room nous of Wales lock Steve Williams, who has departed for Northampton.

But they have recruited an able replacement in rangy Leinster lock Bob Casey, who hopes a change of scene will revive his Ireland international prospects.

Another seasoned campaigner, flanker Eddie Halvey, has gone the other way after returning across the Irish Sea to Munster.

But Venter has at least acquired some proven back-up for prolific fly-half Everitt in the shape of former England cap Mark Mapletoft.

Rising stars

Geoff Appleford

The South African-born centre capped a superb season with two tries - including an 80m dash for his second - in the Exiles' Twickenham triumph over Northampton.

Appleford's rise to prominence hasn't escaped the attention of England coach Clive Woodward, who awarded him his first cap in this summer's Test victory in Argentina.

With Woodard looking for more quality midfield back-up leading into next year's World Cup, Appleford may get further chances to press his claims at a higher level.

Mike Worsley

Another who could press for an England World Cup place if he continues his current progress, Worsley has stated his case with some forceful displays.

A modern, ball-handling prop with a fair turn of pace and a solid scrummager to boot, the 25-year-old is already a Premiership force to be reckoned with.

Prediction

The Exiles were one of the surprise packets of last season and will do well to repeat the achievements of a highly successful campaign.

The demands of a first foray into the Heineken Cup may have an effect on their ability to maintain last year's consistency in the Zurich Premiership.

But player-coach Venter has build solid foundations for continued success at their adopted home in Reading and the Exiles should remain in the Premiership's chasing pack.

Players like Worsley, Appleford, Declan Danaher, Michael Horak and Paul Sackey have ability in abundance and the guiding hands of Venter and unsung captain Ryan Strudwick should ensure another solid campaign.