Stars of the season - Every Premieship club's best player of 2017-18 so far
Top 10s/ListsTuesday, 14 November 2017 at 16:50
After seven games of the Aviva Premiership season, we have been treated to some superb performances from the world-class players who turn out in England's top flight.
Jonny May has been wowing the Leicester Tigers crowds on a weekly basis, Jason Woodward, Danny Care and Sam Simmons have all been impressing, and Courtney Lawes has been proving, once again, why he is one of the best forwards in the world.
But who has been the best player in every Premiership club so far in the 2017/18 season?
Click through to see RUCK.co.uk's opinion on every club's best player after seven matches this season...
Bath Rugby best player this season has been Zach Mercer
Eddie Jones named the England U20 captain as an apprentice in the England squad for the Autumn Internationals. Despite Sam Underhill making an impressive start at the Rec, it's been the performances of Mercer that have caught our eye.
Exeter Chiefs best player this season has been Sam Simmonds
The powerhouse was called up to the England rugby squad for the first time ahead of the Autumn Internationals. The 22-year-old has made 27 appearances for his club, scoring 13 tries and was a key member of the side that won the Premiership last season. This campaign has seen the back-rower seriously catch the eye with a spectacular individual try against Newcastle Falcons a particular highlight. Henry Slade and Olly Woodburn have also impressed at Sandy Park.
Gloucester Rugby best player this season has been Jason Woodward
It has been an up and down start for Woodward at Kingsholm but a thrilling try in the final second against local rivals Exeter on the opening day of the season will live long in the memory of all Cherry and Whites fans. He has looked comfortable under the high ball and made a real impact going forward. New Zealander Jeremy Thrush has also looked good, apart from one dier performance away against Sale
Harlequins best player this season has been Danny Care
The England international has shown what he can bring to the party with Harlequins so far this season. Care, who tops the Premiership assists charts with six, has been a constant threat around the fringes and has used his boot to cut through teams defensive line with ease. Two beautifully weighted chips through, one in each half, against Sale, in particular, provided Tim Visser with the opportunity to score a brace. A special mention for teenage sensation Marcus Smith, who has also dazzled so far this season.
Leicester Tigers best player this season has been Jonny May
The England wingers 71st minute try against Newcastle last time out, from a cross-kick by the exemplary George Ford, settled a lively contest at Kingston Park, taking May's total this season to 10 already. Tigers have a had a number of other standout players including; Telusa Veainu, Ellis Genge, fly-half Ford, Matt Toomua and Mike Williams.
London Irish best player this season has been Tommy Bell
It has been a tough start to life back in the English top flight for the Exiles, but Bell, who joined from Leicester, has settled back into the Premiership with ease. Confident under the high ball, the 24-year0old fullback is also one of the best goalkickers around at the moment, finding himself third in the scoring charts. Blair Cowan has also looked good but London Irish will need more players to prove they belong at this level if they are to survive relegation this season.
Newcastle Falcons best player this season has been Sonatane Takulua
The 26-year-old was one of the Falcons’ stand-out performers last season, scoring six tries in his 13 Aviva Premiership appearances and kicking goals at a rate of 88%, the second-highest in the division based on a minimum of 20 attempts. The scrum-half, who makes the Falcons tick, has demonstrated his terrific range of passing so far this season and is a crucial part of why the Falcons have enjoyed a stellar campaign so far. Falcons captain Will Welch and powerhouse winger Niki Goneva have also impressed.
The England and Lions powerhouse has made 100 carries already this season, driving Saints back up into the top four of the table. Whether in the second or back-row, Lawes abrasiveness and fantastic core skills makes him integral to the way Northampton's pack go about their work. Jamie Gibson and winger Tom Collins have also impressed for Saints
Sale Sharks best player this season has been Jono Ross
The flanker helped Stade to the Pro14 title in 2015 and was their captain on numerous occasions. Since joining Sale, the 26-year-old has been monstrous, landing 98 tackles this season. They made a number of great signings with Faf de Klerk and James O'Connor, but perhaps this South African back-rower may prove their best.
Despite being in and out of the side, the powerful lock has managed to win eight turnovers for the reigning European champions. It's no surprise that he has been nominated for World Player of the year for the second year in a row. Alex Lozowski, Schalk Brits and Alex Goode have also impressed for Sarries.
Fantastic leadership, a huge tackle and reliable defence have made Launchbury a Wasps fans’ favourite since arriving at the club. The 26-year-old was putting in performances even when the black and golds went on their losing run. He'll be crucial to Wasps turning their season around and getting back into the top four.
Worcester's best player this season has been Dean Hammond
It's been a poor season so far for Warriors, even by their low standards.Hammond strengthened his case for a regular starting jersey with a hat-trick in Warriors’ 45-37 defeat at Harlequins in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on Sunday. The treble increased the 25-year-old’s try-count to six in seven appearances this season.
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