The United Rugby Championship returns on Friday evening after a break lasting nearly one hundred days.
BBC Sport NI reviews the current outlook for Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht as they prepare for the 2025-26 campaign.
Leinster enters as defending champions having retained their title with a victory over the Bulls at Croke Park in June.
This result concluded Leo Cullen's tenure as head coach of the Dublin-based club.
Munster, Ulster and Connacht are also finalising preparations for the 2026-27 campaign period.
Leinster has recorded departures including Joe Joyce to Gloucester, Matthew Devine to Ulster, Jack Aungier to Munster, Chay Mullins to Ulster and Peter Dooley to Connacht.
The Dublin side welcomed Ciaran Frawley, Will Connors, Francois van Wyk from Bath and Jerry Cahir back into the fold alongside Thomas Connolly from Belvedere.
Ulster lost Jack Carty who has retired while bringing in Rabah Slimani from Toulon and Joey Carbery from Bordeaux.
Munster saw Jack Aungier leave for the Blues and Peter Dooley join Connacht, though the latter's move is noted as an incoming player for that province.
Connacht departed Rabah Slimani to Toulon and Ed Byrne who has retired, while welcoming Peter Dooley, Joey Carbery and others into their ranks.
The squad dynamics reflect a period of transition across all four provinces as they look toward the 2026-27 campaign timeline.
Leinster's backline features a notable pairing between Sam Prendergast and Harry Byrne in fly-half duties against the backdrop of Ciaran Frawley's return.
With twelve months remaining until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, these developments could influence Ireland national team selection plans under Andy Farrell.
Last season saw Leinster reach the quarter-finals before facing Stormers, Benetton, Glasgow and Zebre in their opening fixtures.
The Dublin side struggled initially with only two wins from nine games but improved significantly to secure eight victories in the subsequent period.
A decisive bonus-point triumph over the Stormers in Cape Town helped seal a play-off spot and qualification for the Champions Cup.
Munster won all five of their opening matches last season before facing Lions, Sharks, Cardiff and Connacht in the following round.
Ulster's performance included wins against Lions and Sharks followed by home victories over Cardiff and Munster before meeting Connacht away.
Connacht began with a win against Lions then secured victories at home against Cardiff and Munster before an away fixture against Ulster.
Former England head coach Lancaster is also entering the new season with a modified coaching staff structure compared to previous years.
The collective focus remains on establishing stability within each province as they navigate the competitive landscape of the United Rugby Championship.