The season will start roughly the same time as normal, but the European competitions will shuffle the early rounds later. The only reason why the Prem started early in 2015 is that World Rugby stipulates that the domestic season of the host country  can't overlap with the pool rounds of the RWC. When we won in 2011/12, some folks from other boards suggested that our flying start to the Premiership was because we had very few away at the RWC (although we went unbeaten domestically until losing to Sarries at Big Game).

Smart move by the not nots, bringing in that experience half way through the season. But, if he remains an international, they won't see much of him, will probably only play 6 GP games. Still probably the same amount of league games that the Irish first XV play now!!!