Every Gallagher Prem club's biggest signing ahead of next season...

Rugby News
Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at 19:56
The 2026/27 Gallagher PREM Rugby season is drawing ever closer, and clubs across England have wasted little time strengthening their squads during one of the busiest summer transfer windows in recent memory.
Several England internationals have returned home after spells abroad, while British & Irish Lions, established Test stars and exciting young prospects have all secured headline moves. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup now firmly on the horizon, this season represents a huge opportunity for players hoping to force their way into Steve Borthwick's long-term England plans, while overseas internationals will also be eager to make their mark in one of rugby's most demanding domestic competitions.
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From Newcastle Red Bulls' remarkable recruitment overhaul to Gloucester's Welsh revolution and Sale Sharks bringing back certifiable England legends, here are the biggest signings at each Premiership Rugby club ahead of the new campaign.

BATH – DAN DU PREEZ

Bath have kept recruitment relatively modest this Summer, but the arrival of Dan du Preez from Sale Sharks could prove an astute piece of business for the blue, black and whites. The powerful South African international has built a reputation as one of the Premiership's most consistent back-row forwards, combining immense ball-carrying with relentless physicality around the park.
Unlike departing South African Thomas du Toit, who operates in the front row, Du Preez offers Bath another elite option across the loose forwards and arrives with years of Premiership experience. Johann van Graan's side already boast one of the PREM's best packs, and adding another proven international only strengthens their title credentials. Experienced Glasgow Warriors prop Jamie Bhatti is also a valuable addition, but Du Preez is comfortably Bath's marquee signing.

BRISTOL BEARS – JOSH CAULFIELD

Josh Caulfield returns to Bristol as one of the Premiership's most improved second rows after a brief spell with Ealing Trailfinders in the CHAMP. The towering lock brings lineout authority, mobility and growing leadership to Pat Lam's forward pack.
Still well within the prime years of his career, Caulfield has long been viewed as a player capable of pushing for full England honours, and regular rugby once more at Bristol could accelerate those ambitions before the 2027 Rugby World Cup. While Ethan Staddon, Louie Sinclair and Tobbi Wilson are exciting additions with long-term potential to arrive at Ashton Gate, Caulfield returns to the Bears' den as an established Premiership performer capable of making an immediate impact.

EXETER CHIEFS – DALLAS McLEOD

Exeter's biggest statement signing is undoubtedly Dallas McLeod, who arrives after featuring for the Crusaders and earning All Blacks recognition. Comfortable at both centre and wing, McLeod brings genuine Super Rugby pedigree with numerous titles from his time in Christchurch, outstanding defensive instincts and excellent footballing intelligence to Rob Baxter's squad.
Injuries have occasionally interrupted his progress in New Zealand, but his quality has never been questioned, and Exeter will hope he becomes a cornerstone of their rebuilding project. Chiefs have also recruited well elsewhere, with prop Nika Abuladze, scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme and centre Will Butt strengthening key positions, but McLeod possesses the highest ceiling and could quickly become one of the Premiership's standout midfield game-breakers.

GLOUCESTER – JAC MORGAN

No club has recruited more aggressively than Gloucester this Summer, and British & Irish Lions flanker Jac Morgan headlines an exceptional transfer window for the Cherry and Whites. Widely regarded as one of the world's best flankers, Morgan has captained Wales, starred for the Ospreys and earned enormous praise for his breakdown work, relentless tackling and tireless carrying.
At just 26, he remains one of world rugby's premier forwards and instantly transforms Gloucester's back row. Fellow Wales leadership squad member Dewi Lake is another outstanding addition, while South African veteran Jean Kleyn, former England scrum half Dan Robson and powerhouse wing Phil Cokanasiga add further quality and experience. However, Morgan is the type of signing capable of changing a club's fortunes almost single-handedly.

HARLEQUINS – GEORGE FURBANK

George Furbank's arrival from Premiership champions Northampton Saints could prove one of the smartest signings of the entire window. The England international has developed into one of Europe's most complete attacking full-backs, renowned for his distribution, vision and ability to unlock defences. Linking up with Marcus Smith promises to give Harlequins one of the Premiership's most creative playmaking combinations, perfectly suited to the club's attacking philosophy.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, Furbank will also be determined to cement his England place after injury disrupted considerable parts of his international career. Western Force prop Harry Johnson-Holmes also strengthens the squad, but Furbank is unquestionably Quins' marquee acquisition.

LEICESTER TIGERS – MAKO VUNIPOLA

Leicester have recruited impressively, but the return of Mako Vunipola to the Premiership is the headline story. The 35-year-old remains one of England's most decorated forwards, boasting well over 80 Test caps, three British & Irish Lions tours and a Rugby World Cup final appearance in the red rose.
After his spell in France with ProD2 side Vannes, Vunipola returns with vast experience that could prove invaluable for both Leicester and potentially England should Steve Borthwick require experienced prop depth before 2027. Argentina international Joel Sclavi adds world-class pedigree in the front row, while Wales back-row Aaron Wainwright is another major signing at number eight, but Vunipola's experience and winning mentality make him Leicester's standout arrival.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS – MALIK FAISSAL

Northampton have opted to invest in future talent, with exciting Italian winger Malik Faissal emerging as their most eye-catching recruit ahead of their incoming title defence. The explosive outside back announced himself on the international stage with a series of impressive performances for Italy, showcasing fearless attacking intent and blistering pace upon his first two Azzurri caps in the Nations Championship Southern Series.
Saints have an outstanding record of developing young talent, and Faissal looks perfectly suited to their expansive style. Should his upward trajectory continue, the move could significantly enhance both his international career with Italy and Northampton's back-three options. South African prop Lefty Zigiriadis also arrives from Ealing Trailfinders with an impressive reputation, but Faissal is the club's most exciting addition to an already star-studded green, gold and black outfit.

NEWCASTLE RED BULLS – HOSKINS SOTUTU

No Premiership club has been busier than Newcastle this Summer, with an astonishing 21 senior signings signalling a new era under ambitious Red Bulls ownership. While Raffi Quirke and Chris Harris are exceptional recruits, Hoskins Sotutu stands above the rest. The former All Blacks number eight has long been regarded as one of Super Rugby's most destructive forwards, and the Blues man arrives with remarkable handling skills, explosive carrying and outstanding athleticism.
If Newcastle can consistently get the best from him, Sotutu could become one of the Premiership's biggest stars. George Turner, Werner Kok, Benjamin Elizalde and Rusi Tuima all strengthen the squad considerably, while uncertainty remains over All Blacks debutant Fehi Fineanganofo, who is reportedly attempting to remain in New Zealand despite previously agreeing a move.

SALE SHARKS – COURTNEY LAWES & JOE MARCHANT

Sale Sharks have brought two experienced England internationals back to the Premiership this Summer, as Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant head up North. Both men return from spells in France, yet Lawes comes back as one of England's greatest ever forwards, having earned more than 100 Test caps, won four Six Nations titles and featured on three British & Irish Lions tours.
Meanwhile, Marchant's versatility across the backline gives Alex Sanderson another proven international weapon as both players chase England recalls ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Sale have also recruited brilliantly elsewhere through Wales duro Nicky Smith and Christ Tshiunza along with Saracens veteran Alex Lozowski in the midfield. However, the return of Lawes and Marchant represents one of the window's defining pieces of business.

SARACENS – GEORGE MARTIN

George Martin's arrival is a major statement from Saracens. Already established as one of England's premier tight-five forwards, the Leicester Tigers lock has become a key figure under Steve Borthwick thanks to his relentless work rate, huge defensive output and physical dominance. Still only in his mid-twenties, Martin has the potential to become one of Europe's leading second rows over the next decade, making this a signing with both immediate and long-term significance.
Saracens were not done there, as Alfie Barbeary heads to North London, as an incredible replaceement for the departing Tom Willis. Barbeary brings tremendous versatility and carrying power to the back row, while Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams adds world-class experience behind the scrum to a new-look Sarries back-line. Nevertheless, Martin's proven Test pedigree makes him Saracens' standout addition for the Summer so far.

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