Except for Highlanders loose forward Luke Whitelock for whom it is a case of second time around.
Whitelock, who had a standout year for the Highlanders last season, is fully aware of the capabilities of new head coach Aaron Mauger and new defence coach Glenn Delaney.
Unlike most of his Highlanders team-mates, Whitelock has worked with both men before - Mauger when he was with the Crusaders, and Delaney last season with Canterbury.
``We have got two new coaches. But it is funny for me as I have had them in previous teams. It is different but it is still familiar for me,'' he said.
``There is the odd thing that is different but in terms of how things are run down here it is pretty similar to previous years.''
Whitelock (27) said simply working hard was the key to his good season last year.
``I guess I worked a lot on my defence and that was a good thing and a difference for me. I worked really hard around that. I just worried about what I had to do. At the end of the day you've got to play well and put the work in. It is a cutthroat industry, I suppose, so it was great to know you are wanted.
``It was great to finish the year and get the nod for a couple of games. It has not changed much this year. I always drive for high standards and get a good off-season in.''
His hard work last year was rewarded with selection in the Barbarians team to play the All Blacks and he then went on to captain the All Black midweek side against a French XV.
When captain Kieran Read pulled out with injury, Whitelock came in to play Wales in the the last test of the year.
``It was quite a busy finish for the year. Playing here, then hopping on a plane and playing for the Baabaas. It was bizarre, playing for the Baabaas one week and then getting a call-up to play for the All Blacks the next.''
Whitelock, who appears to have found his spot at No8 for the Highlanders, said the season had rolled around quickly but he was looking forward to taking on the Blues on Friday night at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
He is off contract at the end of this year and said he was weighing up his future and talking with the Highlanders.
It will be a big decision for Whitelock as the overseas market heats up and he reaches an age at which he could stay in New Zealand or head off overseas.
He made one big decision over the off-season, though.
He got engaged to Claire Laredo, although no date has been set for the wedding.