"Bleak" - Grading each Prem Rugby team's start to the season

Here, we assess each club’s campaign so far, grading every side from A+ to F based on performances, consistency, recruitment impact and expectations at the halfway stage after nine games of the season.

Northampton sit top of the table and have produced some outstanding rugby so far. Their squad depth has been a major strength, with every player stepping up effectively when called upon. New arrivals such as Anthony Belleau and J.J. van der Mescht already look like astute pieces of recruitment, while Phil Dowson appears to be retaining the core of a group that is clearly thriving.

Aside from one disappointing showing against Bristol Bears, their season has been near flawless. Add in their strong European form and a dressing room full of personality in players like Henry Pollock and Tommy Freeman, and Saints will rightly be dreaming of a potential double.

For last season’s runners-up, this has been a solid if slightly underwhelming start. Summer additions such as Santi Carreras have strengthened what is, on paper, the most talented squad in the league. While performances have generally been strong, their heavy defeat to Northampton in their final match of 2025 raised a few concerns.

Bath have certainly laid good foundations, but expectations were perhaps higher. Even so, they remain genuine title contenders and will be eager to replicate last year’s success.

Exceptional recruitment has transformed Exeter from last season’s underachievers into one of the league’s standout sides. The balance between flair and work rate is excellent, with every player contributing to a cohesive and highly effective unit.

A top-four finish now looks very much within their control, a remarkable achievement in such a competitive league. The challenge will be sustaining this level into the second half of the campaign.

Not quite perfect, but Pat Lam deserves enormous credit for steering his side through one of the most severe injury crises the Prem has seen. At times, Bristol were forced to field youthful and inexperienced backlines, yet they remained competitive.

With key figures such as Harry Randall now returning, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum and holding onto a top-four position. The arrival and contract extension of Louis Rees-Zammit adds further star quality, and when fully fit later in the season, Bears could become a serious threat.

For what was expected to be a transitional year under new head coach Geoff Parling, Leicester have exceeded expectations. The departure of Handré Pollard left questions at fly-half, and while James O’Connor has struggled with injuries, few would have predicted Billy Searle’s impressive rise.

A top-four finish would represent a hugely successful campaign for last year’s finalists. Their more expansive style of play has also been refreshing, with Adam Radwan in particular pushing strongly for England consideration ahead of the Six Nations.

On paper, Saracens should be challenging near the top, but inconsistency has undermined their season. At their best, they look formidable; however, they have rarely sustained that level, with their only consecutive wins coming in the opening two rounds.

They remain in the top-four race, though the recent defeat at Welford Road has dented those ambitions. The quality is there – it now comes down to execution and consistency.

Sale have struggled to build on last season and currently look fairly average by their own standards. A lack of depth has been exposed, and although recruitment is planned, this year feels like one of consolidation after a period of overachievement.

Some summer signings have not delivered the desired impact, leaving the campaign a little flat. A reset may be necessary, but the foundations remain in place for future progress.

Quins’ season has unravelled since the departure of Danny Wilson. Jason Gilmore has inherited a difficult situation and has been unable to turn things around. Defensive frailties have been glaring, while key figures such as Marcus Smith have failed to find form.

Gilmore’s admission that their Prem campaign is effectively over after nine rounds, while honest, will feel like a bitter pill for supporters. With a strong squad on paper, the club’s biggest need now appears to be stability in the coaching setup.

Like Harlequins, Gloucester have endured a miserable campaign. After overachieving last year, the contrast has been stark, with just one win falling well below expectations for a club of their size. The loss of key players over the summer, combined with injuries, has taken its toll.

Ross Byrne, initially viewed as a smart signing, has struggled badly, and questions are emerging over George Skivington’s future. Despite some encouraging recruitment for next season, including Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, the present outlook is bleak.

Under the Red Bulls ownership, Newcastle have finally secured their first victory of the season, beating Gloucester at Kingston Park – a result that could prove pivotal. While one win from nine remains insufficient, performances are improving and the squad is becoming more competitive.

With high-calibre signings lined up for next season, including Josh Hodge, optimism is growing. The grade cannot be much higher at this stage, but the direction of travel is undeniably positive for the club.