PREM Rugby Round 13: Five players to watch

With the season now moving into its closing stages, there is still plenty on the line, as every side knows exactly what they need to do to hit their targets.

Of the 230 players featuring in top-flight rugby across the country this weekend, here are five to keep a close eye on, for a variety of reasons.

Not many supporters will be familiar with young Sale Sharks player Tristan Woodman, which might raise questions about why he’s one to watch this weekend.

The explanation is that the 22-year-old openside flanker has been named in the 23 shirt for the Sharks against Saracens, meaning he is included among the backline replacements.

That not only highlights the extent of Sale’s injury issues, but also offers a young flanker the unusual opportunity to operate in an unfamiliar role.

Whether he gets onto the pitch remains to be seen, but if he does, it will be intriguing to see how he adapts.

Joe Jones is a Welsh tighthead prop who joined Harlequins during the PREM Rugby Cup period in 2026 for the remainder of the 25/26 campaign, arriving from Doncaster Knights.

He is one to watch because this represents a significant step up, as he faces one of the strongest packs in the league against Bath.

Harlequins have been forced into extensive rotation due to injuries, and this weekend marks their 18th different prop used this season.

Jones started against Bristol Bears in Quins’ impressive win at the Principality Stadium, but this challenge is of a different level entirely, coming in only his second Prem start since 2023. He will come up directly against promising loosehead Scott Kirk.

Another notable front-row storyline is Asher Opoku-Fordjour starting at loosehead for Sale. Although naturally a tighthead, the 21-year-old was initially regarded as capable of playing on both sides of the scrum during his rise through the ranks.

Since then, he has almost entirely featured at tighthead, with only one appearance on the opposite side this season, against Leicester Tigers.

Through the England age-grade pathway, he was also viewed as a loosehead option, making this switch back an interesting test in a less familiar role.

This one speaks for itself. Hodge is one of the key signings secured by the Red Bulls ahead of next season following new investment, and he makes his first start for the club against Tigers.

Exeter Chiefs allowed him to leave early so he could begin featuring for his new side, giving the fullback a chance to reintroduce himself at the club where his professional career began.

While Newcastle have endured a difficult season, Hodge’s clear quality could add another dimension and help lift their competitiveness as the campaign draws to a close.

It has been a lengthy road back for Tigers lock George Martin, who returns to action from the bench this weekend after more than a year out following a setback in England’s 2025 Six Nations clash with France.

Since then, the 24-year-old has faced repeated setbacks, and in the meantime has already agreed a move to Saracens ahead of next season.

His return will be warmly welcomed by both England and Leicester supporters, as he was once seen as a breakout star at lock. All eyes will be on how he performs after such an extended spell away from the game.