A new Gallagher PREM Rugby season brings another wave of high-profile arrivals, with clubs strengthening their squads through a mix of international stars, proven performers and exciting talent.
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From British and Irish Lions to Rugby World Cup winners, we have ranked the standout signings ahead of the campaign, assessing which players could make the biggest impact for their new clubs.
10 Dan du Preez to Bath
Bath have not been particularly active in the transfer market, but Dan du Preez looks an excellent addition and a strong replacement for Alfie Barbeary.
Injury restricted the back-rower to just 11 appearances for Sale Sharks last season, although his quality is unquestionable when fully fit. With eight Springbok caps to his name, he brings both ability and international experience.
Thomas du Toit's departure also leaves a considerable gap in the squad's experience, and Du Preez should help address that while giving Bath another powerful option in the back row.
9 Jean Kleyn to Gloucester
Gloucester have made several encouraging additions, with Jean Kleyn standing out as a player capable of bringing serious experience to their second row.
The 33-year-old, who stands at 6ft 8in, remains a proven performer at international level and featured for the Springboks as recently as last autumn.
A Rugby World Cup winner in 2023, he also has the unusual distinction of having represented Ireland before switching allegiance to South Africa.
After establishing himself as a Munster stalwart, Kleyn arrives at Kingsholm with a wealth of experience, significant physical presence and plenty of pedigree. The big question is how quickly he adapts to PREM Rugby.
8 Hoskins Sotutu to Newcastle Red Bulls
The arrival of Hoskins Sotutu was one of Newcastle's first major statements following Red Bull's investment, although the move has taken some time to finally come together.
Joining from the Blues, the England-eligible back row arrives with All Blacks experience but has struggled to force his way back into the international picture in recent years. A fresh start in the north-east could give him exactly the opportunity he needs.
Now at an age where he should be approaching his peak, Sotutu is an outstanding ball carrier and has the potential to add genuine quality to Newcastle's forward pack.
7 Joe Marchant to Sale Sharks
Joe Marchant's return to PREM Rugby looks like one of the smartest pieces of business ahead of the new season.
The England international returns to the domestic game following his spell in France, bringing with him considerably more experience than when he left Harlequins.
Capable of playing at centre or on the wing, Marchant offers pace, defensive quality and versatility across the backline. He has also already proven himself at Test level, having been a regular for England during their run to the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
For Sale, this feels like a signing with very little downside. Marchant already knows the league, is still in his prime and should immediately strengthen Alex Sanderson's backline.
If he can rediscover his best form following his return to England, he could prove to be one of the standout signings of the PREM season.
6 Aaron Wainwright to Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers have undergone something of a rebuild following several significant departures, making Aaron Wainwright a particularly smart piece of recruitment.
The 28-year-old joins from the Dragons with a reputation for explosive carrying, relentless work rate and defensive aggression. He has consistently been one of the more underrated performers in Welsh rugby and possesses the all-action style that should suit the Tigers.
Wainwright gives Leicester greater depth and quality in the back row and, on paper at least, makes their squad considerably stronger.
5 Dewi Lake to Gloucester
Having captained Wales during the Six Nations, Dewi Lake arrives at Gloucester with leadership already established as one of his biggest strengths.
He is one of two Wales stars making the move from the Ospreys to Kingsholm and could be particularly important in a position where the Cherry and Whites lacked consistency last season.
Athletic and powerful, Lake combines his physical attributes with a strong personality and growing experience as a leader. Gloucester will be hoping he can make an immediate impact both on and off the pitch.
4 Courtney Lawes to Sale Sharks
Gloucester may be gaining leadership through Lake, but Sale Sharks could be adding even more through the arrival of Courtney Lawes.
The 37-year-old remains capable of competing at the highest level and brings more than 100 England caps with him following his spell at Pro D2 side Brive. His size, physicality and versatility are obvious strengths, but his influence within the dressing room could be just as valuable.
As part of an impressive group of new arrivals for Alex Sanderson's side, Lawes could prove to be one of the most important. A strong season might even put him back into the conversation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
3 George Furbank to Harlequins
Northampton Saints' loss is undoubtedly Harlequins' gain. George Furbank is the standout addition to the Quins squad and gives them another high-quality playmaker.
The full-back repeatedly demonstrated his ability during Northampton's title-winning period, while the reaction to his departure also highlighted how highly he was valued at Franklin's Gardens.
Combining Furbank with Marcus Smith gives Harlequins two gifted players capable of controlling games, although questions remain over the lack of further recruitment after last season's struggles. Taken on his own, however, Furbank is a superb signing.
2 George Martin to Saracens
After spending more than a year sidelined through injury, George Martin returned to the England side this summer and immediately reminded everyone of his quality.
The powerful second row showed few signs of rust, including with an impressive display against the Springboks. At just 25, there is still plenty of room for him to develop further.
A partnership involving Martin and Maro Itoje would be an intimidating prospect for any opposition, and Saracens will expect the former Leicester Tiger to make a major impact.
He remains one of the more underrated players in English rugby and has the potential to be an outstanding signing.
1 Jac Morgan to Gloucester
The top spot goes to another former Osprey heading to Gloucester. Jac Morgan joins Dewi Lake at Kingsholm, giving the Cherry and Whites two of Wales' leading players.
The flanker was selected for the British and Irish Lions' 2025 tour of Australia and made an impact from the bench in both the second and third Tests, scoring in the latter.
His work at the breakdown and around the contact area also played an important role during the series.
Even throughout difficult periods for Wales, Morgan has consistently stood out as one of their most reliable performers.
His energy, physicality and ability to influence matches make this the best piece of transfer business on the list, and it will be fascinating to see what he can bring to PREM Rugby.
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QUIZ: Name the Top 10 Highest Points Scorers in Rugby History
Scoring points at Test level is one of rugby’s toughest challenges. It takes consistency, longevity and the ability to deliver under pressure against the very best teams in the world.
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From legendary fly-halves with metronomic boots to all-time greats who dominated international rugby for more than a decade, these players have piled up points on the sport’s biggest stages.
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