The new year brings with it the potential of new chapters and fresh starts for many of international rugby's discarded or forgotten talents.
The top 50 prospects under 23 years of age currently plying their trade in New Zealand features three capped All Blacks already.
The Highlanders have made a significant announcement before the new season with Jamie Joseph taking over as head coach.
All Blacks legends Jeff Wilson and Sir John Kirwan have praised the appointment of Crusaders lock Scott Barrett as the new captain of the national team.
After a glittering career mostly spent in Europe that included packing down with Toulouse for eight seasons as well as stints at Biarritz, Saracens, Racing and finally Bayonne where he called it quits in 2020 at the age of 39, you’ll find him settled back in Auckland and assisting the Blues women’s team to recent Super Rugby Aupiki success.
Samoan officials told Mapusua earlier this year that he wouldn’t be kept on and the position has since been given to Mahonri Schwalger.
Former All Black James Parsons was asked on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod which of the newcomers he is most keen to see perform this season.
The decision is believed to be based on results at Rugby World Cup 2023 and has been met with some surprise.
World Rugby’s change in eligibility laws in 2022 has opened the door for players with mixed heritage to represent more than one side of their family tree, and every year more players become eligible for a change of national representation.
England entered their match against Samoa in Lille on Saturday knowing they were Pool D winners, but Steve Borthwick will be all too aware that his side were one unsuccessful diving tackle from Danny Care away from yet more ignominy.