It feels like it has been gone for ages, but we are now just weeks away from the beginning of the new Premiership Rugby season! Things certainly feel different this season, with us going in knowing that we are down 3 teams following the losses of Worcester, Wasps and London Irish, while the league is also kicking off later due to the World Cup, with the majority of the Premiership Rugby Cup (this year also including Championship teams) currently underway and being used as an introduction to the new season.
But while there may be differences in the Premiership this season, some things remain the same, and that means the return of my “Players to Watch” series, where I look at all the players who have moved clubs this summer and pick out 7 players who I think we should be keeping an eye on this season. And as usual, we have a nice blend of domestic transfers and new arrivals to the league…
Finn Russell
I would argue that last summer was a disaster in building a playing squad for Bath, but things worked out in their favour as it left them cap space to make the first moves in scavenging Worcester for their best players, picking up Ted Hill and Ollie Lawrence, which saved them from a season that should have been of disappointment. They have made moves for this season though, with the notable signing of Finn Russell from Racing 92. One of the most talented fly halves in the world, Russell gives them the experience and quality they were missing to move the team around the pitch and make them a real threat.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg
One of the stars of London Irish’s final season with his solid defence and incredible carrying. Bristol have lost some key players from their back line this summer in Semi Radradra and Salesi Piutau, and while van Rensburg may not be a direct replacement, he will add a key physical element with the ability to consistently get his team over the gain line and create the space for fellow signing Virimi Vakatawa to shine.
Joe Hawkins
A transfer that (for now at least) has brought an end to what appeared to be a promising international career. Hawkins’ transfer to Exeter made him ineligible for Wales’ World Cup squad, as he decided that the uncertainty in Welsh Rugby was too much of a risk. Exeter have lost a number of stars this summer, but Hawkins is a fantastic pick-up, physically strong enough to hit the line himself but also with the playmaking ability to spread the ball, while he also has experience at 10 to push Harvey Skinner with Joe Simmonds now gone.
Zach Mercer
A star at Bath for years who any smart international coach can see was the obvious option at 8 for England, Mercer made the decision to go to Montpellier and proved himself equally capable at Montpellier, becoming a firm favourite with his wide range of skills and his incredible workrate. Now he returns to England with Gloucester and after being cut early during England’s World Cup preparations will be looking forward to showing Steve Borthwick what he is missing. Expect him to become a favourite of the Shed in no time at all.
Burger Odendaal
The second South African 12 to make this list, Odendaal just beats out Tom Pearson—who was incredible for London Irish last season—as Northampton’s signing to make the list. Had an incredible start to last season, being almost unplayable for Wasps until their demise. Has kept himself going with a stint in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo and now returns to wreak havoc on the Premiership. Saints have a talented back line, but have generally lacked that physical option in midfield to help them against teams like Sale and Saracens… but expect Odendaal to provide that.
Luke Cowan-Dickie
Sale looked to potentially be in trouble at hooker with both Ewan Ashman and Akker van der Merwe moving on this summer, but jumped in to snatch Cowan-Dickie after his move across the Channel fell through. A physical but mobile hooker, the only worry here is his tendency to throw himself at the legs of ball carriers, which should be penalised more often, but ore importantly sees him putting his body at serious risk.
Juan Martín González
One of the new stars of the Argentina national team, González is a perfect all-round option at either 6 or 8. Strong enough to stop a carrier in their tracks and keep them held up on their own, he also has great pace with a long rangy stride (think Tom Croft in his prime) and is also a more than capable option in the lineout. Now he finds himself moving to Saracens following the collapse of London Irish, and you can expect him to become a regular in their ideal back row. Not only that but a back row combination of González, Ben Earl and Theo McFarland could potentially be the fastest to ever feature in the competition.
Which new signings are you most looking forward to watching?
Thanks for reading!
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