SEAN Holley has identified Ireland's big three provinces and the Blues as the main threats to the Ospreys' bid to create Magners League history.

The Liberty Stadium region, 2009-10 champions after beating Leinster in the inaugural play-off final, hope to become the first side to successfully defend the Celtic crown.

But they are expecting a strong three-pronged Irish challenge, with the Blues also pushing hard to claim their first Magners League title.

Head coach Holley, whose side were in action against Leeds this afternoon, believes Ulster will need to be watched especially closely after a recruitment drive that has seen South Africa half-back Ruan Pienaar sign on at Ravenhill.

"Ulster have shown huge ambition by signing a player like Pienaar," said Holley.

"They have brought in other players as well and will clearly be a side to be reckoned with, as will the usual suspects — Leinster and Munster, who are always there or thereabouts.

"I would expect the Blues to put in a good show, too. They did well to retain Xavier Rush, have signed Dan Parks and are a side with a lot of quality."

Not that Holley is expecting the league to be without surprises.

"The great thing about last season was that the Scots came through strongly and they will be looking to build on that," he said.

"There were no easy games in the league and there was doubt about who would make the play-offs until the final weekend of the regular season.

"Every side will start believing they can do something.

"But much will depend on international windows and how teams cope when they are shorn of players — plus the fixtures that are thrown up during those periods."

The Ospreys are unperturbed about the prospect of starting the season adrift of the rest after being docked four points for a late postponement of the March 19 fixture against Ulster. An appeal is pending but isn't set to take place until after the campaign starts.

"We are not thinking about that," said Holley.

"Last year we lost two home games in the first three weeks, so we had to come from a long way back then and didn't do too badly.

"But let's see what the appeal brings. We are just looking forward to the start of the season."

Mark Orders