Team of the Week: PREM Rugby Cup Round 2 - Callum Chick bags hat-trick for Northampton

George Pearson was a constant attacking spark for Leicester, exploiting space on the wing to score a crucial try against Harlequins. The 19-year-old showcased impressive pace and vision to support the attacking lines and create threats throughout the match. Defensively, he tracked back diligently, made crucial tackles and covered kicks. Beyond the try, Pearson’s composure and decision-making under pressure were pivotal in helping a young Tigers side secure back-to-back PREM Rugby Cup victories.

Ramm impressed with a brace of tries for Northampton Saints, with raw pace and power exploiting the gaps in the Saracens defence. Ramm's timing on support lines and ability to finish from tight angles made him a constant threat. Ramm’s clinical finishing and all-around workrate underscored why he’s a significant addition to the Saints’ back three in their 2025/26 campaign. Honourable mention to Ramm's opposite man, as Saracens wing Jack Bracken was on fire with two well taken tries.

Louie Hennessey was Bath’s standout player in a challenging contest against Exeter. The centre scored a well-taken try, and defensively he worked tirelessly. Hennessey made key tackles and organised the midfield under pressure. Despite the loss, the 21-year-old impressed with his on-field leadership and a hot-stepping ability break through gaps.

Slade’s experience guided Exeter through a tense match against Bath. The experienced Englad centre contributed a conversion and two penalties while also managing the game’s tempo and structure. Slade's distribution from midfield and ability to read the opposition ensured Exeter maximised scoring opportunities. Slade’s calmness under pressure and intelligent decision-making proved decisive, as the Chiefs overcame Bath’s resistance and secure a first win of the season.

Rotimi Segun’s blistering pace was on full display, scoring two tries against Northampton. His timing on attacking lines and ability to finish under pressure made him a constant threat for the Londoners. Segun also offered coverage defensively, shutting down kicks and tracking opposition runners effectively.

Belleau’s debut performance for Northampton was immediately eye-catching. The French fly-half slotted seven conversions, demonstrating impeccable accuracy, while his tactical kicking kept the opposition under pressure. Belleau's calmness under pressure and ability to manage the game made him a standout arrival from Clermont, giving Northampton a decisive edge against Saracens. Fin Smith needs to tighten his grip upon the Saints 10 jersey with the new arrival in town.

Exeter Summer signing Stephen Varney contributed intelligently in midfield, scoring a crucial try against Bath and providing solid defensive work throughout. The former Gloucester man allowed Exeter to exploit gaps in the Bath defence, with a high-octane tempo of attack. The Italian international capped off his day with a well-taken try to give the Chiefs a solid base to build upon.

Grahamslaw’s performance was both dynamic and reliable at loose-head. The prop scored a try against Gloucester, but also dominated set-piece duties and made important contributions in tight exchanges. His tackling and work at the breakdown were crucial in maintaining defensive stability as Bristol's outside backs stole the show at Kingshom.

Similar to Grahamslaw's unsung efforts, Gabriel Oghre impressed with a brace of tries for Bristol and strong carries throughout the West Country derby. The England international made his debut against the USA upon the latest Summer tour, and with the Autumn Series coming ever closer Oghre will be eyeing up a return to Steve Borthwick's squad with continued high-quality performances.

Hot from a loan spell with Nottingham in the Champ, Ale Loman delivered a commanding performance against Harlequins, dominating the scrums and providing a powerful presence in mauls. The Swedish-born prop showcased his physicality and technical skill, marking him within the Tigers front row depth charts for the upcoming season.

Paddy Pearce’s versatility was highlighted for Bristol, as the young back row shifted into lock for the match against Gloucester. The 21-year-old contributed a try and worked effectively alongside Joe Owen in both mauls and open play, as both locks got on the score-board. Pearce’s tackling, ball-carrying, and work at the breakdown underlined his potential as a rising star in the Bears squad.

JJ van der Mescht made an immediate impact for the Saints, as he bagged a well-taken try against Saracens. The South African lock combined power in the maul and line-out with intelligent work in open play, and made some impressive defensive contributions. Northampton retained momentum with their newest bruiser on the pitch, as van der Mescht stood out as a significant addition to the forward pack.

Tshuinza demonstrated adaptability and defensive acumen for Exeter, as the Welsh international slotted into the locks during a sin-bin. The back row maintain Exeter’s set-piece integrity with a fluid coverage across both positions, whilst making a solid tally of tackles and being active around the breakdown. After missing out on Wales' Summer tour of Japan, Tshuinza will eye up similar strong performances to catch the eye of new Wales head coach Steve Tandy.

Cowan was a bright spark for Bath in a losing effort. The back row bagged himself a try and showed stand-out commitment in defence and at the breakdown. Cowan's hard running and ability to make metres in contact provided a platform for his team, however the back row could not do it alone in blue, black and white. Exciting signs none the less from the 23-year-old, who joins the Rec from Hartpury.

Callum Chick was unstoppable in Round 2 of the PREM Cup, as the former Newcastle skipper scoring a hat-trick of tries, as he captained the Saints to victory over Saracens. Chick’s leadership, decision-making, and defensive presence made him a standout back-row, with the number eight unstoppable upon his short drives to the try line. Saracens had no answer for the England international, who is enjoying a real resurgence in the East Midlands.