The new Gallagher Premiership season is once again upon us, with ten teams ready to battle it out to be once again crowned English champions – all bolstered by a series of new signings.
The clubs have strengthened their squads in preparation for the upcoming season which promises to be one of the tightest to date.
Let’s have a look at the most exciting signings of the summer:
Guy Pepper – Newcastle to Bath
One of the most exciting young back row talents in the Gallagher Premiership, Pepper was a shining light in an otherwise drab Newcastle Falcons side last year.
He burst onto the international scene earlier this year after playing for England A in their victory over Portugal in February, for which he was then named in Steve Borthwick’s England training squad for their Guinness Six Nations match against France.
The 6-foot 3-inch flanker will be looking to grow his game alongside an already seriously talented Bath back row.
Words from Bath boss, Yohann van Graan:
“Guy is one of the most talented and exciting back rowers in the English game. His hunger to improve and develop is evident and I believe he will be a big part of our team in the years to come.”
Ross Molony – Leinster to Bath
Bath have attempted to bolster their forward pack this summer, making up for the sizeable losses of Elliot Stooke, Josh McNally and many other huge names. Ross Molony makes a great addition having played his entire professional career with one of the most successful clubs in Europe.
The 30-year-old lock made his Leinster debut aged just 19 whilst still on an Academy contract with the club against Zebre Parma back in February 2015 and has earned more than 175 caps during his time at the club. Having won the Guinness Pro 14 league four times, the specialist lineout caller is expected to bring his winning mentality into camp.
Words from Bath boss, Yohann van Graan:
“His work ethic and leadership are some of his key characteristics and I believe he will play a huge part in our journey in the next number of years. What struck me is the quality of a human being Ross is.”
Tamati Tua – Brumbies to Exeter
The Wallaby international has sadly arrived at Sandy Park with a neck injury which requires surgery and time on the sidelines for recovery. Once fit, however, the 26-year-old is expected to form a strong centre partnership with Henry Slade.
Tua started his career with Northland in 2016 before joining the Blues in 2018 but made just a few appearances during two stints at the club. It wasn’t until he moved to Canberra in October 2022 that the 6 ft 3 midfield player’s career truly took off, making 31 appearances for the Brumbies and scoring five tries.
Words from Exeter boss, Rob Baxter:
“He promises to be an exciting, strong and very important member of our squad going forward.”
Christian Wade – Racing 92 to Gloucester
For anyone who’s been living under a rock for the past year, Christian Wade is back in rugby. He’s been teaming up with the likes of Henry Arundell and Gael Fickou at Racing 92 in Paris as he looked to rediscover the form that made him such a menace in the Premiership all those years ago. Well, now he’s on his way back to the competition that made him so feared by defenders, as he looks to creep his way back up the try-scoring leaderboards.
Sadly for Wade his old stomping ground is no longer, so it’ll be the cherry and white stripes of Gloucester that his muscular frame will don this time around.
Arriving as a clear replacement for the NFL player Louis Rees-Zammit, Wade will look to fill his sizeable gap and provide plenty of tries for Gloucester.
Words from Gloucester boss George Skirvington:
“It’s been clear since he returned from America that he has come back in even better shape and still has that sixth sense for the tryline that he had before he left.”
Gareth Anscombe – Free agent to Gloucester
Free agent you say?! Correct.
One of the most exciting, yet unfortunate Welsh talents of the recent decade comes to Kingsholm following a groin injury that left him without a club for the 2023/24 season. Able to play both flyhalf and fullback with equal efficiency, the now 34-year-old Anscombe will no doubt prove to be a vital cog in the freshly oiled Gloucester machine.
Words from Gloucester boss, George Skirvington:
“He’s one of the top fly halves in the Northern Hemisphere and we feel he’ll complement our other options at fly half and full back well.”
Tomos Williams – Cardiff to Gloucester
Gloucester have gained a world-class scrumhalf in Tomos Williams. Having played his entire professional career at Cardiff, Williams arrives over the Severn Bridge, looking to establish all his international prowess on a side that’s struggled in recent years. He is expected to compete with fellow Welshman Stephen Varney for the nine shirt, all the while imparting his experience and wisdom on his young counterpart.
Words from Gloucester boss, George Skivington:
“Anybody that has watched him play before, whether that be for Cardiff or for Wales, knows how much of an attacking threat he can be, everyone is thrilled to welcome a player of his calibre.”
Sammy Arnold – Brive to Newcastle
The man from Surrey did a route around Ireland before heading over to France, and it’s now back over the English channel he goes, as he joins up with Gallagher Premiership strugglers Newcastle Falcons ahead of the 2024/25 season.
A physical player, Arnold could well be the type of individual that the north-east side was looking for. His power over the gain line and strong tackling will create space for the notoriously speedy Falcons wide men.
Words from Newcastle boss, Steve Diamond:
“He’s a good defender, he carries well and he’s English-qualified, so he ticks a lot of boxes for us. I liked him from the moment I first spoke to him on the phone because he’s a really down-to-earth lad who will fit in with our culture, and I think this is a really important signing for Newcastle.”
Rodrigo Isgro – Los Pumas 7s to Harlequins
The 2023 World Sevens Player of the Year. Although his experience in 15s rugby isn’t extensive, his skils certainly are. Isgro is expected to turn that 7s magic into 15s gold as he links up with the always-exciting Harlequins.
Words from Harlequins boss, Danny Wilson:
“We’re delighted to secure the services of Rodrigo. He’s a dynamic athlete, quick and skilful, who adds further international experience to our squad and provides great depth on the wing. He’s a mature player who we expect to hit the ground running and contribute to our objectives this season.”
Waisea Nayacalevu – Toulon to Sale
Despite his advancing age, the Fijian Nayacalevu remains one of the most exciting talents in the world game. The 34-year-old dominated proceeds in France last year, both at club, and international level during the World Cup, and is expected to more than make up for the Manu Tuilagi-shaped hole in the centre of Sale’s attack.
Words from Sale boss, Alex Sanderson:
“You give him the ball, he is not looking for back field space… he is looking for the outside break and the offload and freeing up his arms and he loves attacking rugby. I keep turning around and the lads are like, ‘How did we sign him, how did we get him?’”
Fergus Burke – Crusaders to Saracens
Replacing the impeccable Owen Farrell is no easy task, but that is what lies ahead of the young Fergus Burke. Stepping into the shoes of the former England captain requires a certain amount of confidence and ability, something that the former Crusader appears to have in droves. With 1200 caps having left Saracens this summer, Burke could well be the linchpin on which this brand-new team is built.
Time will tell.
Words from Saracens head coach, Mark McCall:
“Fergus is a very exciting addition to our squad and the Gallagher Premiership. His playing ability and potential is obvious and we have been hugely impressed by his ambition and desire to take his game to the next level.”
Watch the exclusive reveal-all episode of Walk the Talk with Ardie Savea as he chats to Jim Hamilton about the RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks and what the future holds. Watch now for free on RugbyPass TV
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