The new Gallagher Premiership Rugby season is still a few months away but there’s plenty of world-class talent set to arrive on British shores to get fans excited.
Bristol Bears return to the league after a one-year absence with Pat Lam at the helm while Paul Gustard will be the new man in charge of Harlequins.
On the field though, there’s a host of exciting prospects joining Gallagher Premiership Rugby clubs and we’ve picked out three marquee signings to look out for come the autumn
1. Brad Shields (Hurricanes to Wasps)
Shields’ move to Wasps was announced at the end of 2017 but such is the talent the flanker offers, he’s already been called up to the England squad by Eddie Jones. The 27-year-old back row will be part of the three-Test tour of South Africa this summer having recently surpassed 100 appearances in Super Rugby.
With Guy Thompson and James Haskell both leaving the Ricoh Arena at the end of last season, there’s space for Shields to make an immediate impact in Coventry. Eddie Jones said: “Brad is a big strong player who does the basics well – he’s a good number six who has a high work rate, tackles well, carries well, and is a good line-out option.
2. Alex Lewington (London Irish to Saracens)
Sarries have agreed on a deal to sign London Irish speedster Lewington at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has scored 24 tries in 63 matches for the Exiles since joining the Berkshire-based club from Leicester Tigers in the summer of 2013.
3. Guy Thompson (Wasps to Leicester)
Head coach Matt O’Connor believes that the versatility of the 31-year-old will give him added back-row options at Welford Road.
The back-rower has appeared over 90 times since joining Wasps from Jersey in 2013 and has scored 24 tries.
4. Dan Biggar (Ospreys to Northampton Saints)
A name that won’t be new to the majority of fans, Dan Biggar already has more than 50 caps with Wales having made his debut back in 2008.
Biggar put pen to paper with Northampton Saints at the conclusion of last year’s British & Irish Lions tour and will be linking up with a new coaching setup at Franklin’s Gardens.
“I’m hugely privileged to sign for a club with the history and tradition of Saints,” Biggar said back in September following the announcement.
“This is an opportunity for me and my family to experience rugby in a different environment and playing in a town which has a massive passion for rugby was a huge attraction.”
5. Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders to Wasps)
Sopoaga is filling in at centre as we’re in need of creativity in the midfield, especially with Roberts at 13.
The 26-year-old, who has played 16 Tests for the All Blacks, has effectively ruled himself out of selection for the 2019 World Cup. Sopoaga was part of New Zealand’s U20 side that retained the junior IRB World Championship title in 2011, where he appeared alongside back-rower Brad Shields, with whom he will be reunited at Wasps next season.
6. Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues to Exeter Chiefs)
Runners-up Exeter Chiefs have also added to their squad with international quality with the capture of British & Irish Lion Alex Cuthbert from Cardiff Blues.
The 28-year-old winger has been with the Blues since 2011 and has scored 18 tries in 47 appearances for Wales as well as scoring on his sole Test appearance for the Lions in Australia.
“The challenge of going to Exeter and trying to prove myself in a new environment at the Chiefs is something that really appeals to me,” he said.
“I’m excited about the move. I’ve played all of my rugby in Wales and I’ve enjoyed some fantastic times over the years, but I feel I’m at a stage in my career where I have to try something different.”
7. Jamie Roberts (Harlequins to Bath)
Capped 94 times by Wales, Roberts featured in the 2009 and 2013 British & Irish Lions tours and will arrive in the West Country following three years with Harlequins.
The hugely experienced centre started his career with Cardiff RFC before joining Cardiff Blues in 2007. After making over 80 appearances for the Welsh outfit, Roberts spent two seasons with French Top 14 side Racing Metro.
8. Francois Venter (Cheetahs to Worcester Warriors)
Another import from the PRO14, Francois Venter joins his Toyota Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan by switching South Africa for Sixways ahead of the new season.
The 27-year-old centre was in the top 25 in the PRO14 OPTA stats rankings for carries (198), metres made (789), offloads (28) and clean breaks (21) last year.
Venter has made seven appearances for the Springboks and will add serious power and cutting edge to the Warriors back line for the 2018/19 season.
9. David Strettle (Clermont Auvergne to Saracens)
45 league starts and 49 tries – David Strettle is a familiar face to English rugby fans.
The winger made his league debut with Rotherham Titans in the 2003/04 season before spending four seasons with Harlequins and five years at Saracens.
In his first season in North London, Strettle lifted the league title as Saracens recorded a 22-18 win over Leicester Tigers in the final – their first ever Aviva Premiership Rugby success.
The England international, 34, has spent the last three years playing in France for Clermont Auvergne and will be a like-for-like replacement for the retiring Chris Wyles.
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