The five most underrated players in the Gallagher Premiership

Friday, 15 October 2021 at 16:26

when the refs getting cross cos he tossed alun wyn off its joe marler 19 1

byRugby Rucker

While the Gallagher Premiership may have some of the biggest names in the world, it also has some underrated and talented players working their magic on the field.

We asked fans to name the most underrated players in the Gallagher Premiership - and the results are in.

So who are the Premiership's unsung heroes? Find out below.

#1. Jackson Wray (Saracens)

Age: 30
Position: Back-row
Described in one word: Workhorse

A powerful, hard-hitting ball carrier, Wray is a highly skilled graduate of the Saracens academy who has gone on to achieve considerable success at the senior level. With multiple Premierships and back-to-back Champions Cup medals, he’s probably one of the most thriving club players never to play for England. The Sunderland-born back-rower also collected both the Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Season awards last season.

DID YOU KNOW? His favored position is at Number Eight and blindside Flanker.

Jackson Wray, Captain of Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Saracens at Ashton Gate on 17 Sep. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Jono Ross (Sale Sharks)

Age: 30
Position: Back-row
Described in one word: Destructive

The fearless back-rower qualified for the Springboks and England but has been scandalously ignored by both. Born in South Africa, the Sale Sharks’ captain is eligible for England through his grandmother. Being a back row, his speciality is tackling and so far this season he ranks number 1 with 53 after also finishing top of the pile last season.

DID YOU KNOW? His first name is actually Jonathan

Sale Sharks player Jono Ross (C) during the Gallagher Rugby Premiership game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on October 3rd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#3. Tom O'Flaherty (Exeter Chiefs)

Age: 27
Position: Winger
Described in one word: Snappy

With pace to burn, fancy footwork and an ability to spot an opening, the talented winger certainly offered something a little bit different to the Chiefs mix. Although O'Flaherty initially had to bide his time to get into the first-team ranks at the Chiefs, now he's firmly up and running with the Devon club, whom he helped to seal a historic double in 2020. Nevertheless, he hasn't even had a sniff of a senior international call-up with England.

DID YOU KNOW? He spent a period of time in France, combining a university placement with a stint in the rugby academy of French Top 14 side Montpellier

Exeter Chiefs player Tom O'Flaherty during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs at Welford Road on Sept 18th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#4. George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons)

Age: 28
Position: Hooker
Described in one word: Gutsy

The 2020-21 campaign saw the hooker become a mainstay in the Falcons XV, scoring seven tries in his 19 appearances. His lineout throwing is amongst the best in the league (37 successful throws 4th), and he is an undervalued ball carrier who constantly gets Dean Richards men onto the front foot.

DID YOU KNOW? He represented Ireland U18 & U20 before playing for England Saxons

Newcastle Falcons player George McGuigan is tackled by Bristol Bears player Andy Uren during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Newcastle Falcons and Bristol Bears at Kingston Park on April 17 - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#5. Mark Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)

Age: 31
Position: Centre
Described in one word: Immense

His versatility across the backline, aligned to his size and speed, have made him a key member of Gloucester Rugby's backs division in recent seasons. Atkinson passed 100 appearances for the club in 2018-19 and is creeping closer to 150 appearances in Cherry and White after another stellar season at Kingsholm in 2020/21. Despite his age, it was great to see him called up for the latest England squad.

DID YOU KNOW? He was released by Sale Sharks and Wasps early in his career, making just four combined appearances