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With the start of the Guinness Premiership less than a month away, Terence O'Rorke takes a look at each of the 12 teams that will be competing in the English top flight, starting with Bath.

Coach: Steve Meehan

Ground: The Rec

Last season: 3rd (lost in semi-finals)

Captain: Michael Lipman/Alex Crockett

Key player: Michael Claassens

Opening game: Bristol (A) Sept 7

Prediction: Top four

Players in: Shontayne Hape (centre) from Bradford Bulls; Scott Bemand (scrum-half) from Leicester; Rhys Crane (wing) - unattached; Stuart Hooper (lock) from Leeds; Justin Harrison (lock) from Ulster; Robbie Kydd (full-back/centre) from Northampton; Scott Hobson (lock) from Cornish Pirates

Players out: Olly Barkley (centre) to Gloucester; George Hughes (centre) to Doncaster Knights; Ian Davey (wing) to Bedford Blues; Nick Walshe (scrum-half) to Bedford; Steve Borthwick (lock) to Saracens; Rob Fidler (lock) - tbc; Lorne Ward (prop) to Toulon; Zak Feaunati (number eight) - retired; Martin Purdy (lock) to North Harbour; Mike Myerscough (lock) to Launceston.

Despite losing skipper Steve Borthwick (Saracens) and fellow England international Olly Barkley (Gloucester), Bath are likely again to be challenging for honours this season. Steve Meehan has created a tight-knit squad at The Rec and developed a fast-tempo style of rugby that many clubs find hard to cope with. Meehan's team played some of the best rugby in the Premiership last season, and they will again be relying heavily on South African half-backs Butch James (pictured) and Michael Claassens.

Despite several players moving on, Bath still have strength all over the park and will be determined to build on their third place last season and add more silverware to the 2007-8 European Challenge Cup, their first title for 10 years. Look out for league convert Shontayne Hape to make an impact in his debut union season, while Stuart Hooper, Justin Harrison, Scott Bemand and Robbie Kidd should add useful experience over a long campaign. Giant wing Matt Banahan is also likely to further challenge for full England honours.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport