Some gone but not forgotten, others perhaps forgotten
ANDY DUNNE (Bath) 25, uncapped
Moved on to Bath in close-season from relegated Harlequins, where his career had stalled again a little. Looks a good move, even if initially enlisted as a squaddie. Injury prone but gifted, he still has years on his side if he can stay healthy and improve defence.
SHANE JENNINGS (Leicester) 24, uncapped
Possibly the most complete, authentic Irish openside around. No one could begrudge this ambitious player his move after omission from Leinster's European Cup quarter-final and contractual dilly-dallying. With Neil Back as mentor, it could be a great move for him and, ultimately, Irish rugby.
LEO CULLEN (Leicester) 27, 17 tests
Ditto another Leinster stalwart, even if form dipped last season after injury. The Union stand indicted for his departure, even if Leinster will feel the loss most acutely. Could be what he needed though.
IAN HUMPHREYS (Leicester) 23, uncapped
Looks like an interesting one-year move as a squaddie pending an outhalf vacancy at Ulster via his elder brother's retirement, although you never know. Has the Humphreys flair and pace as well as an ability to attack the gain line and to pass and support. Curiously, couldn't force his way into the Ulster set-up.
GEORDAN MURPHY (Leicester) 27, 31 tests
Long an integral component of the Tigers set-up and Welford Road's great entertainer. Unlikely they would be inclined to ever let him go, or the Union/provinces could afford him.
JUSTIN BISHOP (London Irish) 30, 25 tests
Badly injured at end of 2002/3 season, fell out of favour when overlooked for World Cup warm-up games and never seen since, but still an "Irish" stalwart at the Madjeski Stadium.
BOB CASEY (London Irish) 27, 5 tests
Still only 27 and reputedly in prime nick, Casey and "Irish" secondrow partner Nick Kennedy were the Premiership's leading lineout stealers last season and he was selected on Sky's Dream Team. Return to the Ireland A fold suggests he is not completely out of mind.
KIERON DAWSON (London Irish) 30, 21 tests
Won the last of his 21 caps in World Cup warm-up games and overtaken by raft of younger opensides in Ireland's pecking order.
BARRY EVERITT (London Irish) 29, uncapped
Starting his sixth season at London Irish, where he has scored over 1,000 points in 93 outings. His departure left something of a void at Leinster for several years, but unconvincing Ireland A appearances scuppered test hopes.
ADRIAN FLAVIN (London Irish) 26, uncapped
A member of Ireland's Under-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2000 under Declan Kidney but despite being an "Irish" product since knee high to a grasshopper only really broke into first team last season. Will be looking to make significant inroads this season. BEN WILLIS (London Irish) 28, uncapped
Out of sight and mind with Beziers last season. The one-time Leinster and Ireland A scrumhalf's accuracy and length of pass may revive career now he's a little closer to hand.
PETER BRACKEN (Wasps) 27, uncapped
The former Munster and Ireland tighthead is as hungry as ever. Desire to keep progressing and improve scrummaging will probably benefit from a move to the English champions.
JOHNNY O'CONNOR (Wasps) 25, 7 tests
Coveted by his native Connacht, "O'Concrete" decided to stay at the club who elevated his career despite the promise of the much-hyped 20-year-old English openside Tom Rees, though sharing the load might help both.
EOIN REDDAN (Wasps) 24, uncapped
A surprising capture by Warren Gatland before his Kiwi flight home, this pacy, lively scrumhalf has decided to swap understudying Peter Stringer for backing up Matt Dawson. Again, though, could flourish for the experience.
JEREMY STAUNTON (Wasps) 25, 3 tests
Ended up where he should probably have gone a year ago instead of Harlequins, where he was unfairly blamed for relegation. Mightn't get as much game time but might learn more in the environment of the champions and ultimately take over from Alex King.
DAMIEN BROWNE (Northampton) 25, uncapped
Saw plenty of game time after his arrival from Connacht, mixing it with Martin Johnson and the other heavy hitters, and a relatively consistent success story in the Saints' troubled season. Will, it is to be hoped, make a prodigal return west with his good mate O'Connor one day.
SEAMUS MALLON (Northampton) 24, uncapped
Surprising venture into the Irish market by the Saints post-Alan Solomons for this big, strong-running centre. In truth his openings at Ravenhill were likely to diminish with the emergence of Andrew Trimble, though a return home before long doesn't look unlikely.
DAVID QUINLAN (Northampton), 27, 2 caps
Similarly a relatively surprise acquisition from Leinster, although again the O'Driscolls, D'Arcys and co looked like confining this big-tackling centre to even more Celtic League duty this term. Seems a good, timely move.
SHANE BYRNE (Saracens) 34, 38 tests
Preposterously left dangling by the Union even as he was first-choice Lions hooker (and out of contract the following week), "Munch" took the hump and took flight to Vicarage Road for a two-year deal. Something of a gamble vis-à-vis tax breaks were he to get injured.
AIDAN McCULLEN (Stade Toulousain) 28, 1 test
As with his Toulouse precursor (see below), the all-round abilities of this versatile, French-speaking forward were underappreciated at Leinster. Though joining an astonishingly competitive squad, could flourish in "familial", ultra-professional set-up.
TREVOR BRENNAN (Stade Toulousain) 31, 13 tests
Enters fourth season at the French aristocrats with two European Cup medals to his name. Strength, of body and character, have flourished, toned down disciplinary record, developed hands like flypaper yet remains overlooked at home. Go figure.
SIMON EASTERBY (Llanelli) 30, 42 tests
Hamfisted attempt by Union's Player Advisory Group to divert him first from Connacht and then Leinster toward Ulster resulted in him staying put with the Scarlets. Made to look more misguided by Easterby's Lions tour.
MARK BLAIR (Borders) 32, uncapped
European Cup winner with Ulster in 1999, and one-time A lock who was knocking on the Irish door, has now decamped to Scottish rugby with his Scottish wife after Narbonne sojourn.
MATT MUSTCHIN (Edinburgh Gunners), 28, uncapped
The Irish-qualified ex-Canterbury lock moved from Ulster during the close-season after contract not renewed following the arrival of Justin Harrison at Ravenhill.
MEL DEANE (NEC Harlequins) 30, uncapped
One-time Connacht, Sale and Ireland A centre will be playing outside Andrew Mehrtens in the less rarefied confines of the National League One this season - a mixed blessing.
GAVIN DUFFY (NEC Harlequins) 23, 2 tests
Talented utility back has remained loyal to Harlequins although you have to wonder if a season playing Pertemps Bees, Cornish Pirates, Plymouth Albion and co will be good for his test prospects.
SIMON KEOGH (NEC Harlequins) 25, uncapped
Try-scoring hero of their Challenge Cup win two seasons ago, ex-Leinster scrumhalf cum winger remains for a third season at the Stoop.
Shane Byrne: took flight to Saracens
Johnny O'Connor: staying at Wasps
