Glasgow Warriors are the team to beat after overcoming Munster 31-13 in the final to lift the GUINNESS PRO12 trophy for the first time and as they prepare to defend the title, acting captain Peter Murchie is focused on a repeat.
"It's a challenge but we've been working hard for a long time now. We've still got a big squad and a lot of young players have put their hands up," he explained.
"It's a big challenge for us to do as well as we did last season but it's one we're looking forward to."
Munster coach Anthony Foley is confident his side have learned the lessons of last year - but admits a return to the GUINNESS PRO12 top four is no guarantee.
"We learned a lot through the ups and downs. We're a young coaching group and we're always learning," he said.
"Hopefully we can get back on to winning ways and get into the top four but there are 12 teams in the room that want to do that."
Elsewhere in the GUINNESS PRO12, all four Welsh regions are ready to move on from last season.
The Cardiff Blues have a new head coach in Danny Wilson and the Ospreys are seeking to reach the final after returning to the play-offs last season.
Newport Gwent Dragons' young and talented squad look set for another step forward this year, while Scarlets are seeking to build on their incredible home form.
"I can't wait for the new season to start really," said Cardiff Blues back-row Josh Navidi. "After the disappointment of last year we're ready to crack on, move forward and hopefully we can get some silverware at the end of it."
Dragons captain T Rhys Thomas said: "We've had a bit of competition in training and have now started with our friendlies, in inverted commas, and days like today make you look forward to the new season even more."
"Hopefully we can draw on the experience of losing to Munster in the semi-final now," said Ospreys coach Steve Tandy. "Lots of the guys have never had that tournament experience but that should hold us in good stead heading into the new season."
And Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac said: "We need to start the season well because we don't want to be chasing the pack like we were last season, that was tough going. We're looking at the first block without the World Cup players now because that fast start is going to be crucial."
The Warriors weren't the only Scottish side to gain ground last year, with Edinburgh continuing their progress under Alan Solomons by reaching a European final.
"Last season was disappointing in terms of not making the top six but I think we came on leaps and bounds playing-wise," admitted skipper Mike Coman.
"In that regard we were successful and a lot of guys got another year of experience under their belts. Top six is definitely our aim - we've got good players and there's no excuse now."
Munster were the pick of the bunch among the Irish provinces but bet on Leinster, champions in 2013 and 2014, to come back with all guns blazing.
Ulster too have something to prove after narrowly missing out on a Kingspan Stadium final, while Connacht have arguably never been as strong as they are now under Pat Lam's stewardship.
"The last three or four years we've progressed and made semi-finals and finals but until we actually have something tangible to show for it, like a trophy, it won't feel like a success for us," said Ulster's Paul Marshall. "We don't care if we make a semi-final and lose anymore - we're not satisfied with that."
Meanwhile Connacht coach Pat Lam is targeting a top six spot: "Like last year our ultimate goal this season is to qualify for next year's Champions Cup, so we must finish in the top 6 of the PRO12. That means every game and every point is so important from round 1 to through to 22."
And a determined Kevin McLaughlin said of Leinster: "It's a chance to put right what happened last year. In the years we've been successful in the past, we've done very well when the internationals are away, so that is the focus for us now."
But expect Zebre and Benetton Treviso to be a bigger force than last year after both clubs promised a stark improvement.
"Last year was supposed to be the year where we went a lot better," said Zebre's George Biagi. "The results didn't come our way and it all went a bit downhill once we lost the two derby games. So we want to start winning the 50-50 games and moving up the league."
And Treviso prop Alberto de Marchi said: "I wasn't playing at Treviso last year but I was following how they got on and I saw the squad was put together very quickly. The preparation wasn't as good as it should have been but I know this year will be completely different."
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