Once again the Scarlets will be looking to perform well in both the domestic competition and Europe despite a comparatively quiet summer in the transfer market.
Coach Gareth Jenkins has considerably boosted his options in a back-row that already boasted five internationals with the capture of Gavin Thomas and Andy Powell.
Both have major points to prove after 14-times flanker Thomas was released by the Ospreys while former Wales A No 8 Andy Powell arrives at Stradey Park following unsuccessful spells with both Beziers and Leicester last year.
However Llanelli were rocked in the summer by the departure of star outside-half Stephen Jones who has spread his wings to join French outfit Montferrand.
Goal-king Jones made more than 200 appearances and amassed almost 2,000 points in his eight-year career at Stradey so his exit will heap immense pressure on Gareth Bowen.
Bowen successfully covered the position during the World Cup last season and will be helped by the arrival of Wales veteran Arwel Thomas.
The 29-year-old outside-half, first capped back in 1996, arrived following the closure of the Celtic Warriors that also saw Tongan powerhouse wing Aisea Havili and hooker Mathew Rees become Scarlets.
