Conference B is shaping up as an absolute pearler this year.

Everywhere you look there is proven class, and while some sides have made slow starts, it is early days to be writing anyone off.

What is without doubt however is that it will be seriously competitive.

Every league in world rugby prides itself on its competitiveness, the Kiwi conference in Super Rugby for example has accounted for seven of the last eight league titles and four of their five franchises have won at least one in that time frame.

The Top 14 end of season run-in is also always filled with loads of teams pushing for play-off positions but Conference B of the Guinness PRO14 might just trump the lot this year.

Currently clear at the top are the Scarlets.

Rejuvenated under Brad Mooar, the region look back to the form that saw them claim their maiden crown back in 2017 and then back it up with a runners-up finish in 2018.

They are joined by Connacht as the early pacesetters, Andy Friend’s side are in fine form and look back close to the side that won it all in such fairytale fashion back in 2016.