The Pacific Rugby Premiership returns for a second season this weekend with a full slate of matches. Every team in the competition has re-loaded with some brining in some very top names (OMBAC: Todd Clever & Brian Doyle, Glendale: Nick Wallace, SFGG: Don Pati to name a few) giving this year's competition a chance to move to an even higher level. Based on those moves, as well as last season's results, we're happy to introduce our first power rankings of the season.
1. SFGG: Golden Gate is the team to beat this season even with the loss of stalwart Mose Timoteo. They've brought in Don Pati and Mahe Fangupo as his replacement but have also added Jack Halalilo, Bubba Jones, and a big name player that hasn't been publicly identified but is a big addition. It wasn't a perfect regular season for the club and that's an area they are looking to work on this year. It will begin with their rivalry match against Olympic Club. Up next: Olympic Club
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2. Glendale Raptors: After dominating the regular season the Raptors will probably feel that they deserve to be in the top spot. That may be the case but their loss to SFGG in the final will be with them all year. Needing help up front they added Ben Tarr and Nick Wallace that should give them some added punch. They also took Timoteo which has to sting for SFGG. Up next: OMBAC
3. OMBAC: We were tempted to drop OMBAC down a spot to start the season given that they were a bit of a surprise last season and are expected to lose Zach Pangelinan for parts of this season. However, they have been extremely impressive in their additions, including Brian Doyle and Todd Clever. Right now you have to say that OMBAC had the best offseason and it's given them a platform to push for the final. Up next: Glendale
4. Belmont Shore: Belmont had a down year in 2014 and much of that came from not taking the competition as seriously as other teams. Expect that to be different this year and with a few new addition Belmont should be able to push hard. However, if they struggle early than the same questions that surrounded last season will resurface. Up next: Santa Monica
5. Denver Barbarians: The Barbarians hurt themselves last season with an early hole before coming on strong the rest of the season. If they can carry that form into this season they should be able to move up the rankings quickly. Adding Justin Pauga is a big move for them. Up next: Bye
6. Olympic Club: O-Club have added a few players but they are more looking to their young core to improve and carry them to more victories. Players like Keegan Engelbrecht, Dustin Muhn, and Colin Hawley will need to step up to a new level this year. If they can then the team has the potential to cause upsets. Up next: SFGG
7. Santa Monica: No one was more disappointed in their 2014 season than Santa Monica. They could score in bunches but couldn't keep anyone else from scoring. Now Dave Martini has moved to Toronto for a job opportunity. The club has brought in a number of players to bolster their team but integrating them could take time. Up next: Belmont Shore