The star-studded Prem Rugby signings XV as Wallabies and Lions stars headline new additions
From left to right: Guido Petti, Len Ikitau and Owen Farrell
While much of the focus of the rugby public in the UK has been on the British and Irish Lions, the new Prem season is right around the corner, and teams across the top flight are already gearing up for a title charge.
All 10 teams have made waves in the transfer market, putting the new increased salary cap to good use, and have attracted plenty of international talent to the UK.
There have also been some eyebrow-raising inter-league transfers as well, with some players even crossing over to bitter local rivals.
But, with so many eye-catching signings, who are the best? Well, here is our take on a combined XV of new signings heading to the Prem this season.
N.B. Only players who will make their debut (or second debut) this season have been counted in the team. For instance, Pedro Rubiolo joined Bristol Bears early and debuted last year, so he misses out.
15 Santi Carreras
Kicking things off is new Bath man Santi Carreras, who will no doubt continue his fine form from last season in the Blue, Black and White. The Argentina ace was one of the best attacking threats in the Prem last season, starring in Gloucester’s all-out attacking system, and that sort of creativity could also seamlessly transition into how Lee Blackett runs the Bath attack. His ability to act as that second playmaker could really allow them to get the ball to their electrifying outside backs, but he also possesses a strong running game of his own. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares.
14 Henry Arundell
Another Bath signing now, in the form of England international Henry Arundell. The explosive winger makes his return to the Prem after a difficult time in France, but he comes back with a point to prove. Arundell lit up the top flight in his first spell with London Irish, making his way into the England side as a result, but he now comes back into a league filled with X-factor wingers all gunning for a spot in Steve Borthwick’s side. There is no doubt he’s a talent, though, and could really add some razzle-dazzle to an already exciting Bath backline.
13 Len Ikitau
Fresh from a strong series against the British and Irish Lions, Len Ikitau seems ready to hit the ground running with Exeter. The Devonians didn’t have a lot to cheer about last season, but his signing was a sign of intent from the two-time champions that they were ready to turn things around. Ikitau will not only add some serious international experience to the Chiefs’ ranks, something they desperately need given the relative inexperience within the squad, but he will also bring that little bit of stardust that could power them to new heights.
12 Tom Jordan
While he might have spent the summer sulking after missing out on the British and Irish Lions squad, Tom Jordan is such an exciting signing for Bristol. The Scotland international fits exactly the mould of player the Bears want, given he thrives in fast-paced, chaotic attack, and his versatility to cover fly-half, centre and full-back will come in handy given the size of their squad.
11 Gabe Hamer-Webb
Wales could be ruing the opportunity to cap former Cardiff back Gabe Hamer-Webb, but that loss is Leicester’s gain. The English-born flier is such a crude signing for a side looking to rebuild under new head coach Geoff Parling, and he adds yet another layer of threat to their outside backs unit. While the Tigers are blessed with both Ollie Hassell-Collins and Adam Radwan out wide, Hamer-Webb will only add more depth to that unit, and if given the chance, could easily leapfrog them. He also comes into the season off an impressive URC campaign last time out.
10 Owen Farrell
There was no way we would miss Owen Farrell out of this team, following his high-profile return to Saracens. Farrell has already etched himself as a Saracens icon from his first stint at the club, but his return could be the thing they need to take Saracens 2.0 to great things. Around his obvious quality, he will also return to North London full of confidence after a strong Lions tour, which could spell trouble for the other nine teams.
9 Stephen Varney
Exeter have been crying out for a scrum-half for some time now, and it seems they have finally landed their man in Stephen Varney. The Italian international will likely slot straight into the starting XV, and that clear starter is something the Chiefs have lacked since Nic White left. Around that, too, he will just add some more experience to this young group at Sandy Park, even though he is still 24.
8 Callum Chick
Exceptional signing from Northampton, with Callum Chick continuously impressing in a struggling Newcastle side. The England international is such an industrious, physical player, but he will also be keen to prove a point in a team pushing for play-off spots and silverware. This also feels like the right time for him to make the move, where he comes into it gunning for a return to the Test side.
7 Jacques Vermeulen
This move caught everyone by surprise, but the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. Vermeulen is exactly the sort of forward Sale love, bringing serious steel, grunt and almost genuine hatred to the mix, but in a squad looking to take that next step forward to win silverware, his experience of winning things with Exeter could be invaluable.
6 Tom Hooper
Exeter have acted swiftly to replace the powerhouse South African, bringing in Wallabies forward Tom Hooper. Like Ikitau, Hooper comes to the South West bang in-form following a strong Lions series and hit-out against Fiji, and he will only add extra value to the Chiefs’ back five as a result. He also adds that sort of versatility Rob Baxter likes from his forwards, so it seems a great match.
5 Guido Petti
Harlequins might not have made the waves in the market some fans would have wanted, but Bordeaux forward Guido Petti is a fantastic piece of business from the Londoners. His form on Bordeaux’s run to the Champions Cup title was nothing short of extraordinary, bringing serious physicality to the party in a side littered with dazzling attack-minded players. Sound familiar? This is exactly the sort of player to help Quins turn things around and power them back up the Prem.
4 JJ van der Mescht
Another physically imposing forward coming to Franklin’s Gardens is JJ van der Mescht. The behemoth Stade Francais lock isn’t your typical Northampton player, but alongside the signing of Chick, it points to an intent to potentially change their game plan to become more physically dominant. He also has the sort of skillset to match the Saints’ system as well.
3 Nepo Laulala
Gloucester haven’t gone crazy this window, but the addition of former All Black Nepo Laulala will be a huge boost for the Cherry and Whites. While he will bring some good quality to the mix, his experience will be invaluable to their existing crop of promising front-rowers, especially Afolabi Fasogbon, which could fast-track their progression.
2 George Turner
There are no shortage of hookers on the move in the Prem, but George Turner to Quins is our pick of the bunch. He will add some decent international experience to the side, which will greatly boost their existing unit.
1 Danilo Fischetti
Another forward heading to Franklin’s Gardens is Italian international Danilo Fischetti, and he slots straight into this squad. He might not be a headline-grabbing name at first, but if his form in the Six Nations and for Zebre in the URC are anything to go by he could be a mega addition to their ranks. Fischetti just brings serious scrummaging to the mix, and backs that up with strong efforts in the loose as well.
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