Mick Cleary: Five big talking points ahead of the new rugby season

Will Lions coach Andy Farrell be a happy man? Mick Cleary asks.

NEW RESPONSIBILITY:  Andy Farrell, head coach of the British & Irish Lions. Pic: David Rogers/Getty Images

Get the worry beads out

This is the most significant season for club and provincial rugby since the dawn of professionalism in the mid-nineties. Is it to be boom or bust? Or is it to be a super, soaraway success with nary a backward glance to troubles past? Hmm. If only.