Bath have spent big in an attempt to finally fulfil their potential, it’s a transitional phase for Exeter, but can anyone stop Saracens? Mail Sport’s guide to the Gallagher Premiership as the new season gets underway tonight
- The Gallagher Premiership gets underway on Friday as Bristol host Leicester
- Saracens are the reigning champions and will fancy winning the title again
- Other teams have strengthened heavily, but it’s looking bleak for Newcastle
- Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results
While the Rugby World Cup in France continues to entertain us as the nights close in, there is the small matter of Premiership Rugby returning this evening.
Last season saw another enthralling campaign as Saracens won their sixth title after a 35-25 victory over Sale in the final at Twickenham.
However, there was also plenty of drama as both Worcester Warriors and Wasps folded during the season amid financial turmoil, before London Irish followed the same fate in June in what are worrying signs for the sport.
But it all begins again on Friday night as Bristol host Leicester Tigers at Ashton Gate.
In light of that, Mail Sport’s ALEX BYWATER provides you with a guide to all 10 teams and raises the question of whether anyone can stop the Saracens juggernaut.
The Gallagher Premiership returns this weekend, with Saracens the reigning champions
BATH
Head coach: Johann van Graan
Captain: Ben Spencer
Key man: Finn Russell
Stadium: The Rec (cap: 14,509)
Last season: 8th
Verdict: They have spent big on bringing in Finn Russell from Racing 92. It’s fascinating he is already in training with Bath after Scotland’s World Cup exit. I’m not sure that’s a good look at a time when the sport is supposed to be looking after player welfare. Bath have criminally underachieved for years. It needs to start changing.
Bath have spent big on bringing in Scotland star Finn Russell, who is already in training
BRISTOL BEARS
Director of rugby: Pat Lam
Captain: Fitz Harding
Key man: Virimi Vakatawa
Stadium: Ashton Gate (27,000)
Last season: 9th
Verdict: Like rivals Bath, Bristol haven’t seen a return on investment in recent years. Star props Kyle Sinckler and Ellis Genge will miss the start, but Vakatawa has the ability to light up the Premiership if he is truly over his heart issues.
EXETER CHIEFS
Director of rugby: Rob Baxter
Captain: Jack Yeandle
Key man: Henry Slade
Stadium: Sandy Park (15,600)
Last season: 7th
Verdict: In Joe Hawkins and Henry Slade, Exeter have a promising midfield combination. But the Chiefs are almost starting from scratch again under Rob Baxter after a host of departures.
The Chiefs are almost starting from scratch again under Rob Baxter after a host of departures
GLOUCESTER
Head coach: George Skivington
Captain: Lewis Ludlow
Key man: Zach Mercer
Stadium: Kingsholm (16,115)
Last season: 10th
Verdict: Decimated by injuries last season but surely won’t be badly hit again. Mercer is a key signing but they face a tough task to trouble the best.
Zach Mercer is a key signing for Gloucester, but they will face a tough task to trouble the best
HARLEQUINS
Director of rugby: Billy Millard
Captain: Stephan Lewies
Key man: Alex Dombrandt
Stadium: Twickenham Stoop (14,800)
Last season: 6th
Verdict: They’re great to watch but missed out on last season’s play-offs. Jarrod Evans is a like-for-like replacement for Marcus Smith while he is away with England but you wonder if they’ve got the forward power required.
LEICESTER TIGERS
Head coach: Dan McKellar
Captain: Julian Montoya
Key man: Ollie Hassell-Collins
Stadium: Mattioli Woods Welford Road (25,849)
Last season: Semi-finals
Verdict: It’s a new era with McKellar in charge after the departures of Steve Borthwick and Richard Wigglesworth. Ollie Hassell-Collins should thrive, especially with McKellar looking to evolve their attacking game.
It’s a new era for Leicester with Dan McKellar in charge after the departure of Steve Borthwick
NEWCASTLE FALCONS
Head coach: Alex Codling
Captain: Callum Chick
Key man: Adam Radwan
Stadium: Kingston Park (10,200)
Last season: 11th
Verdict: Their squad resembles a Championship outfit and a long campaign could be on the horizon. The Falcons finished bottom last season, 10 points off Gloucester, and a repeat is likely.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
Director of rugby: Phil Dowson
Captain: Lewis Ludlam
Key man: Tom Pearson
Stadium: Franklin’s Gardens (15,200)
Last season: Semi-finals
Verdict: Having George Furbank, Tom Pearson, Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman in their squad to start the season bodes well. They visit Sale on the opening weekend but after that have a series of winnable fixtures.
Lewis Ludlam’s Northampton side have a set of winnable fixtures after their clash with Sale
SALE SHARKS
Director of rugby: Alex Sanderson
Captain: Ben Curry
Key man: Luke Cowan-Dickie
Stadium: AJ Bell Stadium (12,000)
Last season: Runners-up
Verdict: Alex Sanderson is doing a fine job in charge of the Sharks. They should be there or thereabouts once again.
SARACENS
Director of rugby: Mark McCall
Captain: Owen Farrell
Key man: Alex Goode
Stadium: StoneX Stadium (10,500)
Last season: Champions
Verdict: All of their best players are with England so they may start slowly but they are the league’s dominant force and are favourites to reclaim their title.
Alex Goode, 35, is set to be Saracens key player yet again as they look to go back-to-back
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