Five players to watch in the Guinness PRO12 this season

As another eagerly-anticipated Guinness PRO12 season gets underway, we cast our eyes over the league's key signings.

Charles Piutau (Ulster)

Piutau could arguably be the most eye-catching PRO12 signing of the summer.

The 24-year-old All Black was in scintillating form for Wasps last season, earning him nominations for both the Premiership and European player of the year.

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He has already shone for his new club, inspiring Ulster to a 29-19 pre-season win over Northampton Saints, setting up a try for Louis Ludik before powering over for a try of his own. 

Equally at home at full-back, centre or on the wing, Piutau's power and elusive running ensures he will cause serious damage to opposition defences at Ravenhill.

Willis Halaholo (Cardiff)

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Halaholo agreed a three-year deal with the Cardiff Blues in April before helping the Hurricanes to their maiden Super Rugby title.

The centre will not arrive at the club until the end of October at the earliest due to Mitre 10 Cup duties with Waikato, but will add an extra attacking edge to the Blues when he arrives.

His quick feet means he often finds his way past opponents averaging a total of six defenders beaten per game but at 16st 2lbs, he has the bulk to carry with physical intent.

Johnny McNicholl (Scarlets)

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Another Super Rugby player set to grace the pitches of the PRO12, McNicholl has left the Crusaders for the Parc y Scarlets.

Primarily found on the wing but can also cover full-back, McNicholl has signed a three-year deal with the Welsh region as they look to improve on last season's fifth-placed finish.

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McNicholl is a world-class finisher and scored 26 tries from 48 appearances for the Crusaders, while also possessing a secure pair of hands under a high ball and a right-foot step that can bamboozle the best of defences. 

McNicholl will link up with his new club following the conclusion of his Mitre 10 Cup campaign with Canterbury. 

Leonardo Sarto (Glasgow)

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Sarto has swapped his native Italy and Zebre for a spell with Glasgow Warriors in a deal that will see him stay at Scotstoun Stadium until May 2018. 

The 24-year-old has won 30 caps for his country, scoring eight tries and cementing himself as a regular in the national side. He started every match in the 2016 Six Nations and all four of Italy's World Cup fixtures last year. 

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A direct runner, Sarto will add power to Glasgow's highly-skilled backline using his 6ft 4in and 15-stone frame to his advantage at every opportunity.

Sarto has faced a barrage of criticism since the move was announced with FIR president Alfredo Gavazzi stating he must have agreed to make the move because no other team showed interest in him. But the winger has insisted he is keen to "learn how to win" and with the big shoes of Taqele Naiyaravoro to fill, he needs to come out firing for his new club.

Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)

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Leinster have brought in promising scrum-half Gibson-Park into their ranks to replace the departing duo of Isaac Boss and Eoin Reddan. 

The 24-year-old has played for the Maori All Blacks and was part of their squad that toured England in 2012 with the attack-minded player becoming known for his sharp pass and speed at the breakdown.

Gibson-Park makes the move to the RDS fresh from helping the Hurricanes secure their first Super Rugby title but his game-time was limited due to the impressive form of TJ Perenara.