The dawn of a new Premiership Rugby season is upon us. The same ten teams will go into battle once again. Here’s my predicted final standings for the season ahead, supported by hot takes and wild ramblings. Enjoy!

1. Bath

An early red card for prop Beno Obano in last year’s final scuppered Bath’s chances of winning their first title since 1996. However, optimism remains as we look ahead into 2024-2025. The combination of Ben Spencer and Finn Russell seems to be working effectively, and they are supported by the strong running lines of Ollie Lawrence and Joe Cokanasiga. Up front, Obano and Will Stuart will be complemented by new signing Francois van Wyk. Experienced Irishman Ross Molony, recruited from Leinster, adds further depth in the second row. Expect Bath to make the play-offs again and demonstrate their desire to make up for last year’s disappointment.

2. Saracens

Life without Owen Farrell will take some getting used to for Saracens and England fans alike, but Sarries still have lots of wise heads to call upon when the going gets tough. Maro Itoje and Jamie George have both captained England in Farrell’s absence, and the former has been named the new club captain. At hooker, George’s position is threatened by his lively apprentice Theo Dan. The rampaging Ben Earl will provide further excitement from the back row. The loss of Farrell will no doubt have an impact, but Saracens have the depth to cope. They should be in amongst it at the end of the year once again.

3. Northampton Saints

I think that Saints’ loss of Courtney Lawes may end up being more powerful than Saracens’ loss of Farrell. A hugely powerful and influential player and man, Lawes’ presence will be missed on and off the pitch. The loss is further exaggerated as Lewis Ludlam has followed Lawes to France. But last season’s champions still have plenty of good players in their ranks. The strength across the backs is the envy of all the other clubs. Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, and George Furbank all featured in England’s tour of New Zealand. Saints will continue to cause teams problems but may fall just short of retaining their title this season.

4. Harlequins

Whilst questions remain over Marcus Smith’s ability to manage a test match with maturity and pragmatism, he’s undeniably fun to watch. His relentless desire to attack makes Quins a fun team for the neutral to follow. Further flair has been added with the interesting addition of Argentinian Sevens star Rodrigo Isgró. The loss of strong-running Andre Esterhuizen at centre will be missed but Wales internationals Wyn Jones and the hugely experienced Leigh Halfpenny will add some steel to the dynamism. Fourth would represent a good season for Harlequins, but if Smith starts firing and they build some momentum, anything is achievable.

5. Sale Sharks

Sale had a very good season last year finishing third overall before a disappointing defeat away at Bath in the semi-finals. There is nothing to suggest that they aren’t capable of equalling, or even bettering, that level of performance this year. Manu Tuilagi’s departure may grab the headlines but through injury and international duty he made few appearances for Sharks and won’t be too badly missed. Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and evergreen fly-half George Ford will draw upon their huge experience to lead the team. Brothers Curry (2) and Du Preez (3) all have international caps and a wealth of experience, as does new Fijian recruit Waisea Nayacalevu at centre. Sale will be hugely disappointed not to make the top four, and rightly so.

6. Exeter Chiefs

Wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is possibly the hottest property in English Rugby and Exeter fans will be delighted to watch the 21-year-old’s continued development. His ability to make ground before and during the tackle is so impressive and his footwork will dazzle defences again. Henry Slade scored the most points of anyone in the league last season and his trusty left boot will be crucial to the team’s success. Elsewhere, Ethan Roots and Ross Vintcent bring international quality in the pack. But Chiefs’ depth of talent is not what it was three or four years ago, and another year of mediocrity may be on the cards.

7. Leicester Tigers

Leicester’s George Martin is my player to watch this season. That’s hardly a bold shout, of course. Martin already has 15 England caps. But he has all the ingredients to be world leading and his development will be of interest to fans across the country. Dan Cole and Ollie Chessum bring further international experience to the forward pack while Jack van Poortvliet and Ben Youngs will vie for the 9 shirt. South African fly-half Handré Pollard needs no introduction to England followers. Leicester have quality all over the pitch but there is a sneaking suspicion that their better players may be getting on a bit. Mid-table.

8. Bristol Bears

Bristol may just pip Gloucester to avoid the Westcountry wooden spoon but, having finished fifth last year, I expect them to slip further down the table this season. Prop Kyle Sinckler has departed for Toulon leaving Ellis Genge as the senior member of the front row. Scrum-half Harry Randall will try to unlock defences with his busyness around the breakdown and the dependable and versatile Max Malins adds international quality to the back three. Overall, though, Bears don’t quite have the quality to challenge for a semi-final place.

9. Gloucester

Gloucester came ninth last year and I expect them to occupy the same position this year. The signing of Welsh internationals Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe at scrum-half and fly-half respectively will provide a further sprinkling of international quality and pique the interest of fans across the border. Back row Zach Mercer has lots of admirers and he will be hoping to remain fit for a full season and catch the eye of the England selectors. Argentinian fullback Santiago Carreras is another who gets fans off their seats. Ultimately, they may not find the consistency to threaten the top of the table, but Gloucester are not to be taken lightly.

10. Newcastle Falcons

Despite failing to win a single match last season, Newcastle escaped relegation as Championship table toppers Ealing Trailfinders could not be promoted due to the size of their stadium. This year the rules have eased so Falcons may not be so lucky. The squad lacks the depth and international talent of many in the league and another tough year beckons. Among those with international experience are hooker Jamie Blamire and wing Adam Radwan. Both are approaching the prime of their careers and they will need to rediscover the form that saw them picked for England to drag their team up the table this year. All in all, though, it seems unlikely.

 

SUPPORT THIS WEBSITE - buy from Amazon using this link: https://amzn.to/4dBv022

By Leon Parrott