The wheels they keep on turning, in the ever expanding universe of rugby fixtures attentions are quickly shifting towards the Rugby World Cup.
Now less than six weeks out from kick-off, the northern hemisphere teams join their southern hemisphere rivals in taking to the pitch to get some meaningful match minutes.
For the majority of England’s top talent the last time they kicked a ball in anger was during the Premiership finals series.
Contesting the semi-finals last season were Sale Sharks, Leicester Tigers, Saracens and the Northampton Saints.
This success has been reflected in Steve Borthwick’s World Cup training squads with several players from each of these clubs set to form the backbone of England’s campaign.
Of course it isn’t just English talent who ply their trade in the Premiership as some of the game’s most talented players travel from far and wide to ply their trade in England’s top flight.
One such player who will be joining the league next season is Kalaveti Ravouvou who has enjoyed a breakout season for Super Rugby franchise the Fijian Drua.
The 25-year-old is an absolute handful both in attack and defence as he combines the legendary Fijian creativity with the hard edge physicality that the Pacific Islanders are renowned for.
Signing for west country team the Bristol Bears, Ravouvou will look to fill the void left by his international captain Semi Radradra who has departed for French Top 14 side Lyon.
Whilst Ravouvou is by no means a like for like replacement, his fast and loose style would appear to fit perfectly with head coach Pat Lam’s gameplan.
Before arriving in Bristol however is the small matter of the World Cup which Ravouvou looks set to be involved with having been named in the Fijian training squads.
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