Hope springs eternal, but renewal is rarely more palpable than with the start of the new rugby union season.

We have new rules, with the introduction of 13 experimental law variations. There is a new deal for clubs and country, with England squad members on pre-agreed block release. There are intriguing new faces, with four clubs changing head coach, and fascinating imports such as All Black outside-half Nick Evans at Harlequins. For every British or Irish player there is the chase for a Lions place at the end of the season.