Gallagher Prem Transfers Ranked: Worst to Best Recruitment for 2025/26
Rugby NewsTuesday, 16 September 2025 at 10:26
The Gallagher Premiership clubs have been busy reshaping their squads ahead of the new season. Some have gone for statement signings, while others are plugging gaps or investing in youth.
We’ve graded every incoming player and pulled together an overall score — here’s how the teams stack up from worst to best.
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10. ? Sale Sharks – Grade: B
Best signing: Jacques Vermeulen (Exeter Chiefs)
Overview:
Sale’s window has been steady but not spectacular. Vermeulen is a superb acquisition, bringing ferocity to the back row, and Marius Louw is a strong midfield option. However, beyond that, it feels light. They’ve lost big names like Jonny Hill and Jean-Luc du Preez, and haven’t brought in enough top-end quality to replace them.
Sale’s window has been steady but not spectacular. Vermeulen is a superb acquisition, bringing ferocity to the back row, and Marius Louw is a strong midfield option. However, beyond that, it feels light. They’ve lost big names like Jonny Hill and Jean-Luc du Preez, and haven’t brought in enough top-end quality to replace them.
Signings in:
- Nathan Jibulu (Harlequins)
- Marius Louw (Lions)
- Jacques Vermeulen (Exeter Chiefs)
- Reuben Logan (Northampton Saints)
- Patrick Hogg (Newcastle Red Bulls)
9. ? Leicester Tigers – Grade: B
Best signing: James O’Connor (Crusaders)
Overview:
Tigers are in transition, saying goodbye to legends like Ben Youngs and Dan Cole. Their recruitment has been pragmatic: O’Connor brings stardust if fit, Jamie Blamire is a solid hooker signing, and Orlando Bailey could flourish. But much of the rest is developmental depth, and it doesn’t yet scream title charge.
Tigers are in transition, saying goodbye to legends like Ben Youngs and Dan Cole. Their recruitment has been pragmatic: O’Connor brings stardust if fit, Jamie Blamire is a solid hooker signing, and Orlando Bailey could flourish. But much of the rest is developmental depth, and it doesn’t yet scream title charge.
Signings in:
- Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- Tarek Haffar (Northampton Saints)
- Wilf McCarthy (Hartpury University)
- Joaquin Moro (Pampas)
- Charlie Titcombe (Scarlets)
- Orlando Bailey (Bath)
- Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Cardiff)
- James O’Connor (Crusaders)
- Billy Searle (Agen)
- John Stewart (Bath)
- James Thompson (Chiefs)
- Tonga Kofe (Utah Warriors)
- Academy promotions: Ollie Allan, Lewis Chessum, Archie van der Flier, Josh Manz, Cameron Miell
8. ? Newcastle Red Bulls – Grade: B
Best signing: Tom Christie (Crusaders)
Overview:
Newcastle have been busy, with more than 10 additions. Christie and Amanaki Mafi are outstanding, adding world-class quality to the pack. George McGuigan’s return is another boost. But alongside them are a lot of projects and untested players, making this window a gamble. The potential is there, but consistency is the question. They also won't get some of their new additions, namely Christie and Christian Wade until later in the window.
Newcastle have been busy, with more than 10 additions. Christie and Amanaki Mafi are outstanding, adding world-class quality to the pack. George McGuigan’s return is another boost. But alongside them are a lot of projects and untested players, making this window a gamble. The potential is there, but consistency is the question. They also won't get some of their new additions, namely Christie and Christian Wade until later in the window.
Signings in:
- Ethan Grayson (San Diego Legion)
- Connor Doherty (Sale Sharks)
- George McGuigan (Ospreys)
- Jamie Hodgson (Edinburgh)
- Freddie Clarke (Gloucester)
- Amanaki Mafi (Yokohama Canon Eagles)
- Simón Benítez Cruz (Tarucas)
- Tom Christie (Crusaders)
- Fergus Lee-Warner (Waratahs)
- Boeta Chamberlain (Bulls)
- Hame Faiva (Bath)
- Christian Wade (Wigan Warriors)
- Joel Grayson (Old Northamptonians)
- Harrison Obatoyinbo (Mont-de-Marsan)
- Sam Waugh (Loughborough Students)
7. ? Harlequins – Grade: B
Best signing: Guido Petti (Bordeaux)
Overview:
Quins have recruited smartly in the engine room with Petti and Scotland’s George Turner, while Harry Williams adds front-row experience. But a number of their other additions feel more like depth options than transformative signings. A solid if unspectacular window, with Petti the true headline.
Quins have recruited smartly in the engine room with Petti and Scotland’s George Turner, while Harry Williams adds front-row experience. But a number of their other additions feel more like depth options than transformative signings. A solid if unspectacular window, with Petti the true headline.
Signings in:
- Kieran Treadwell (Ulster)
- Guido Petti (Bordeaux)
- Harry Williams (Pau)
- George Turner (Kobe Steelers)
- Stu Townsend (Exeter Chiefs)
- Max Green (Périgueux)
- Boris Wenger (Dogos)
- Pedro Delgado (Dogos)
6. ⚫ Saracens – Grade: B+
Best signing: Owen Farrell (Racing 92)
Overview:
The European giants have focused on key reinforcements rather than numbers. Farrell’s return is the obvious headline, Malins adds cutting edge in the back three, and Marcus Street strengthens the scrum. The rest are depth and project signings, but this is very “Sarries” — targeted, efficient, and built around proven quality.
The European giants have focused on key reinforcements rather than numbers. Farrell’s return is the obvious headline, Malins adds cutting edge in the back three, and Marcus Street strengthens the scrum. The rest are depth and project signings, but this is very “Sarries” — targeted, efficient, and built around proven quality.
Signings in:
- Max Malins (Bristol Bears)
- Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs)
- Vilikesa Nairau (Coventry)
- Tietie Tuimauga (Montauban)
- Owen Farrell (Racing 92)
- Cammy Hutchison (Newcastle Red Bulls – short-term)
- Totoa Auva’a (Lauli’i Lions)
5. ? Bristol Bears – Grade: B+
Best signing: Louis Rees-Zammit (unattached)
Overview:
The Bears love a headline act, and they’ve landed one in Rees-Zammit. If Pat Lam can get him firing, Ashton Gate will be box office. Pedro Rubiolo brings much-needed physicality, while Tom Jordan is a sensible addition at fly-half. The rest of the intake is a mix of prospects and university standouts — exciting, but risky.
The Bears love a headline act, and they’ve landed one in Rees-Zammit. If Pat Lam can get him firing, Ashton Gate will be box office. Pedro Rubiolo brings much-needed physicality, while Tom Jordan is a sensible addition at fly-half. The rest of the intake is a mix of prospects and university standouts — exciting, but risky.
Signings in:
- Tom Jordan (Glasgow Warriors)
- Pedro Rubiolo (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- Max Pepper (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- Josh Carrington (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
- Will Ramply (University of Nottingham)
- Luka Ivanishvili (Black Lion)
- Louis Rees-Zammit (unattached)
4. ⛪ Northampton Saints – Grade: B+
Best signing: Anthony Belleau (Clermont)
Overview:
Saints have been quietly effective. Belleau is a brilliant capture at fly-half, Fischetti strengthens the front row, and JJ van der Mescht adds brute force to the pack. Throw in Callum Chick for Premiership-proven graft, and this is a smart, balanced window that strengthens key areas.
Saints have been quietly effective. Belleau is a brilliant capture at fly-half, Fischetti strengthens the front row, and JJ van der Mescht adds brute force to the pack. Throw in Callum Chick for Premiership-proven graft, and this is a smart, balanced window that strengthens key areas.
Signings in:
- Cleopas Kundiona (Nevers)
- Amena Caqusau (Glasgow Warriors)
- Danilo Fischetti (Zebre Parma)
- Callum Chick (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- Anthony Belleau (Clermont)
- JJ van der Mescht (Stade Français)
- James Martin (Coventry)
- Aidan Pugh (Bath)
3. ? Gloucester Rugby – Grade: B+
Best signing: Nepo Laulala (Toulouse)
Overview:
A mixed but ultimately positive window. Laulala is a monster at tighthead, Ross Byrne brings control at fly-half, and Rob Russell is a sneaky-good wing pickup. There are a lot of depth and project signings from Hartpury and beyond, but the big names outweigh the filler. Losing Carreras hurts, but the rebuild looks strong.
A mixed but ultimately positive window. Laulala is a monster at tighthead, Ross Byrne brings control at fly-half, and Rob Russell is a sneaky-good wing pickup. There are a lot of depth and project signings from Hartpury and beyond, but the big names outweigh the filler. Losing Carreras hurts, but the rebuild looks strong.
Signings in:
- Will Joseph (Harlequins)
- Ross Byrne (Leinster)
- Ben Loader (Stormers)
- James Venter (Sharks)
- Jack Innard (Exeter Chiefs)
- Ben Redshaw (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- Jack Mann (Glasgow Warriors)
- Will Trenholm (Harlequins)
- Mike Austin (Hartpury University)
- Josh Basham (Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks)
- Hugh Bokenham (Cornish Pirates)
- Rob Russell (Leinster)
- Nepo Laulala (Toulouse)
- Jono Benz-Salomon (Hartpury University)
- Academy promotions: Danny Eite, Afolabi Fasogbon, Josh Hathaway, Archie McArthur
2. ? Bath Rugby – Grade: A-
Best signing: Henry Arundell (Racing 92)
Overview:
Bath’s rise continues with another blockbuster window. Carreras and Arundell in the same backline is scary, while Chris Harris adds defensive steel. Dan Frost strengthens the front row, and Bernard van der Linde provides extra zip at scrum-half. Not every signing is headline-grabbing, but this is a squad built for silverware.
Bath’s rise continues with another blockbuster window. Carreras and Arundell in the same backline is scary, while Chris Harris adds defensive steel. Dan Frost strengthens the front row, and Bernard van der Linde provides extra zip at scrum-half. Not every signing is headline-grabbing, but this is a squad built for silverware.
Signings in:
- Dan Frost (Exeter Chiefs)
- Bernard van der Linde (Bulls)
- Santiago Carreras (Gloucester)
- Henry Arundell (Racing 92)
- Chris Harris (Gloucester)
- Henry Mountford (Leicester Tigers)
1. ? Exeter Chiefs – Grade: A
Best signing: Len Ikitau (Brumbies)
Overview:
Exeter have smashed their recruitment drive. Ikitau is world-class, Dweba adds Springbok pedigree at hooker, and Tom Hooper is a fierce back-rower. Add Varney, Zambonin, and Charlie Chapman for depth, and this is a balanced mix of proven internationals and future stars. Chiefs look like they could be contenders once again after a tough few years.
Exeter have smashed their recruitment drive. Ikitau is world-class, Dweba adds Springbok pedigree at hooker, and Tom Hooper is a fierce back-rower. Add Varney, Zambonin, and Charlie Chapman for depth, and this is a balanced mix of proven internationals and future stars. Chiefs look like they could be contenders once again after a tough few years.
Signings in:
- Tom Hooper (Brumbies)
- Joseph Dweba (Stormers)
- Stephen Varney (Vannes)
- Julian Heaven (Waratahs)
- Charlie Chapman (Gloucester)
- Len Ikitau (Brumbies)
- Andrea Zambonin (Zebre Parma)
- Bachuki Tchumbadze (Black Lion)
- Marlon Farouk-Roy (Saracens)
- Khwezi Mona (Sharks)
You'd have to be a rugby genius to get 10/10 on this Prem Rugby quiz
You’ll need quick thinking and a solid memory of those who have dominated the scoreboard over the years.
The Rules:
- You have five minutes to name all 10 players.
- No peeking at stats! Trust your rugby instincts.
- Every correct name counts—can you get a perfect score?
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a casual viewer, this quiz will separate the true Prem experts from the rest. Will you recall the names of players whose kicks, conversions, and tries have made history?
Sharpen your memory, get your timer ready, and see if you can rise to the challenge. The Prem’s finest await… can you name them all in time?
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