reigning

This year's Players will play out in the absence of the reigning US Open champion.

It turned out to be the reigning NBA scoring champion’s final game with the Mavericks.

Less than four months ago, the reigning National League MVP underwent his shoulder surgery, repairing the torn labrum he sustained in the World Series.

The loss was the team’s first at Dignity Health Sports Park in 22 games and made the Galaxy the first reigning MLS champion to lose their season opener to an expansion team.

Indeed, "seamless" appears to be the adjective of choice for the Ireland squad as back-to-back bonus-point wins have the reigning champions top of the table after the first block.