Yes, it's back, the biggest and most important competition in Northern Hemisphere rugby - The Premiership Predictions Thread! Or, as the marketing guys like to call it, The Prem Pred Thre. Appeals to the kids nowadays, with their Ticky Tockies and their nihilism at growing up in a crumbling society.
As always, you are expected to go big and bold with predictions - if you do something like predict "Henry Pollock for breakthrough player" then you will be horribly mocked.
Not that putting in exciting predictions will save you from mockery, mind. The only reward out of this is to look back at the end of the season and attempt to gracefully play off how wrong you were about everything, but you may as well have an interesting hill to die on.
Categories are as follows:
Premiership Winner:
Table order:
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N?
Top try scorer:
Top points scorer:
Surprise of the season:
Biggest disappointment:
Player having a breakthrough season:
I would say anyone with an international cap or who has 20+ Prem starts isn't eligible here. Pick an actual newbie!
Best signing:
I find this useful: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2 ... _transfers
Best unheralded signing:
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing:
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing:
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Puja
Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
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Puja
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Puja
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Premiership Winner:
The obvious answer is Bath, as they won the last one and I think have done the best recruiting, but I do think Sale are building something and the continuity of very little squad turnover means I'll pick them to set an example on going bold.
Table order:
Sale
Bath
Northampton
Leicester
Bristol
Gloucester
Harlequins
Saracens
Newcastle
Exeter
European predictions - how will the English teams do? Sticking with going bold and saying Bath to win the ERC.
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N? Clean sweep - 4 out of 4 AIs and Grand Slam.
Top try scorer: Ollie Thorley
Top points scorer: George Ford
Surprise of the season: There will be promotion from The Champ as Worcester are welcomed back! No relegation though - they'll just try to go back up to 11 with an eye on going to 12 once one of Wasps/Irish get things going again. Sadly, Ealing can still get fucked as far as the Prem is concerned, no matter what they do.
Biggest disappointment: Finn Carnduff and LChessum continue to struggle with injury and opportunity at Leicester and once again don't have a breakthrough season.
Player having a breakthrough season:
Nathan Jibulu - fully expect him to go from 1 Premiership start now to having England caps by the end of the season.
Best signing:
Annoying though it is, I think I'm going to have to pick one of the hyped wingers in Arundell or LRZ. I think I'll probably lean Arundell, as I think Bath will suit him.
Best unheralded signing: Amanaki Mafi - I think Diamond will get one more big season out of him and he'll enjoy going around smashing people
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing: Every year, I do this and put the first post up, and every year I try and pick my predictions so that people won't just go "Oh, that's a good shout," and we don't end up with a dozen similar predictions. That being said, I can't see past Fazlet.
Actually, I've got a better one - James O'Connor. His Aus heroics mean he'll miss the start of the season and give Bailey the whip hand in selection, possibly followed by another absence over the AIs. I think he could fade quickly out of relevance if he's not getting regular game time.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing: Some good contenders here. Laulala with clogs for hands and behind Fasogbon, although I do think his experience and having him as a backup will improve Fasogbon. Harry Williams coming back to the UK chew gum and spin conspiracy theories will probably be a bit of a waste at Quins. James Thompson journeymanning it up at Leicester and either blocking the youth or not playing. However, I am going to need to pick Khwezi Mona who is joining the 9 extant senior props at Exeter, for some reason.
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Siya Kolisi.
Puja
The obvious answer is Bath, as they won the last one and I think have done the best recruiting, but I do think Sale are building something and the continuity of very little squad turnover means I'll pick them to set an example on going bold.
Table order:
Sale
Bath
Northampton
Leicester
Bristol
Gloucester
Harlequins
Saracens
Newcastle
Exeter
European predictions - how will the English teams do? Sticking with going bold and saying Bath to win the ERC.
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N? Clean sweep - 4 out of 4 AIs and Grand Slam.
Top try scorer: Ollie Thorley
Top points scorer: George Ford
Surprise of the season: There will be promotion from The Champ as Worcester are welcomed back! No relegation though - they'll just try to go back up to 11 with an eye on going to 12 once one of Wasps/Irish get things going again. Sadly, Ealing can still get fucked as far as the Prem is concerned, no matter what they do.
Biggest disappointment: Finn Carnduff and LChessum continue to struggle with injury and opportunity at Leicester and once again don't have a breakthrough season.
Player having a breakthrough season:
Nathan Jibulu - fully expect him to go from 1 Premiership start now to having England caps by the end of the season.
Best signing:
Annoying though it is, I think I'm going to have to pick one of the hyped wingers in Arundell or LRZ. I think I'll probably lean Arundell, as I think Bath will suit him.
Best unheralded signing: Amanaki Mafi - I think Diamond will get one more big season out of him and he'll enjoy going around smashing people
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing: Every year, I do this and put the first post up, and every year I try and pick my predictions so that people won't just go "Oh, that's a good shout," and we don't end up with a dozen similar predictions. That being said, I can't see past Fazlet.
Actually, I've got a better one - James O'Connor. His Aus heroics mean he'll miss the start of the season and give Bailey the whip hand in selection, possibly followed by another absence over the AIs. I think he could fade quickly out of relevance if he's not getting regular game time.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing: Some good contenders here. Laulala with clogs for hands and behind Fasogbon, although I do think his experience and having him as a backup will improve Fasogbon. Harry Williams coming back to the UK chew gum and spin conspiracy theories will probably be a bit of a waste at Quins. James Thompson journeymanning it up at Leicester and either blocking the youth or not playing. However, I am going to need to pick Khwezi Mona who is joining the 9 extant senior props at Exeter, for some reason.
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Siya Kolisi.
Puja
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Danno
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
STOP CANDYMANNING THISFazlet
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Epaminondas Pules
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Premiership Winner:
Hard to look past Bath really. They already had the best squad and now it's even better.
Table order:
Bath
Saracens
Sale
Leicester
Northampton
Bristol
Gloucester
Harlequins
Exeter
Newcastle
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
Bath and Saints to make the semi-finals
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N?
3 from 4 in the autumn.
If England can beat Scotland away in game two then momentum could be a big thing, but regardless finishing off away in France is going to be a hell of an ask. I think we'll win three games, hope we'll win four.
Top try scorer:
Adam Radwan
Top points scorer:
Rob du Preez
Surprise of the season:
Owen Farrell doesn't get back in the England team
Biggest disappointment:
Owen Farrell gets back in the England team.
Newcastle are still shite.
Player having a breakthrough season:
Ooh. I actually got this one right last season! Could be a big year for some of the U20s. I feel like Ollie Davies up at Sale is in with a shout of getting some good game time as is Tom Burrow. Gus Hall pushing through at Sarries, also maybe time for Jack Bracken to get some opps, and Olamide Sodeke. Nick Lilley at Exeter too. Kepu Tuipolotu and Vilikesa Sela at Bath. Friday at Quins also
I'm going to go for Gus Hall. He's back fit. They really rate him at Sarries. I think he'll start pushing for that first team start in the centres.
Best signing:
Henry Arundell, same as Puja I think Bath will really suit him and revitalise him. He looks fit and happy. It's going to be hard not to shine in that backline.
Best unheralded signing:
Not sure if it they're unheralded, but Ben Redshaw or Ben Loader at Gloucester. Do think Callum Chick will be perfect for Saints having lost Augustus.
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing:
Probably James O'Connor. Happy to eat my words. I think tough to pick one this year.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing:
Stephen Varney
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Beauden Barrett!
Hard to look past Bath really. They already had the best squad and now it's even better.
Table order:
Bath
Saracens
Sale
Leicester
Northampton
Bristol
Gloucester
Harlequins
Exeter
Newcastle
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
Bath and Saints to make the semi-finals
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N?
3 from 4 in the autumn.
If England can beat Scotland away in game two then momentum could be a big thing, but regardless finishing off away in France is going to be a hell of an ask. I think we'll win three games, hope we'll win four.
Top try scorer:
Adam Radwan
Top points scorer:
Rob du Preez
Surprise of the season:
Owen Farrell doesn't get back in the England team
Biggest disappointment:
Owen Farrell gets back in the England team.
Newcastle are still shite.
Player having a breakthrough season:
Ooh. I actually got this one right last season! Could be a big year for some of the U20s. I feel like Ollie Davies up at Sale is in with a shout of getting some good game time as is Tom Burrow. Gus Hall pushing through at Sarries, also maybe time for Jack Bracken to get some opps, and Olamide Sodeke. Nick Lilley at Exeter too. Kepu Tuipolotu and Vilikesa Sela at Bath. Friday at Quins also
I'm going to go for Gus Hall. He's back fit. They really rate him at Sarries. I think he'll start pushing for that first team start in the centres.
Best signing:
Henry Arundell, same as Puja I think Bath will really suit him and revitalise him. He looks fit and happy. It's going to be hard not to shine in that backline.
Best unheralded signing:
Not sure if it they're unheralded, but Ben Redshaw or Ben Loader at Gloucester. Do think Callum Chick will be perfect for Saints having lost Augustus.
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing:
Probably James O'Connor. Happy to eat my words. I think tough to pick one this year.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing:
Stephen Varney
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Beauden Barrett!
Last edited by Epaminondas Pules on Tue Sep 09, 2025 11:55 am, edited 1 time in total.
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FKAS
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Premiership Winner: Bath, have somehow managed to strengthen the strongest team in the league with some shrewd transfer business.
Table order:
Bath
Tigers
Sarries
Saints
Sale
Bristol
Glaws
Newcastle
Quins
Exeter
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
Two into the semis of the big comp and finalists in the small comp
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N? 3 of 4 in the AIs and then second again in the 6N.
Top try scorer: Adam Radwan
Top points scorer: George Ford
Surprise of the season: Sale slump under Sanderson on the back of losing Hill and one of the du Preez twins and having fallen short again last season.
Biggest disappointment: New additions at Sarries mean Brantingham and Johnson spend more time in the stands than on the pitch this season. Puja nicked the L Chessum and Carnduff injury one I was going to go with.
Player having a breakthrough season:
Jack Charlie Bracken at Sarries, they desperately need a quality 9 to breakthrough and with old man Farrell back he could provide the platform to give Jack a run in the 9 shirt.
Best signing: Jamie Blamire to take to life at Tigers like a duck to water. Aided by the hookers at Tigers being mediocre. Could add to his caps by the end of the season.
Best unheralded signing: Josh Basham at Glaws, I think he could be a great acquisition for them. Was good for Falcons and LI before heading to Japan after LIs collapse. Can play across the backrow and is a good all rounder, the Ackerman replacement for the Glaws backrow. The two PI props Sarries have picked up are worth keeping an eye on as well.
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing: Guiedo Petti, arguably the biggest Prem signing of the summer with head to Quins late after the Rugby Championship and then be absent for the AIs, will make it hard to get up to speed with his teammates and might not hit his stride until after a rest during the 6N. Tough for him to be a star straight out the gate which will be the expectation.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing: Stu Townsend at Quins seems quite up there. I'm concerned Stewart the hooker at Tigers may be in the running for this as well but I'm going to go for Ethan Grayson at Falcons who didn't look a good fit at 10 for them on loan last season and who doesn't fit what Diamond likes at 12. For a team short on starting talent a squad depth signing is an odd choice.
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Fin Smith - Diamond already knows him and Red Bull look to sign a poster boy for their revolution, Fin is also out of contract next summer.
Table order:
Bath
Tigers
Sarries
Saints
Sale
Bristol
Glaws
Newcastle
Quins
Exeter
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
Two into the semis of the big comp and finalists in the small comp
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N? 3 of 4 in the AIs and then second again in the 6N.
Top try scorer: Adam Radwan
Top points scorer: George Ford
Surprise of the season: Sale slump under Sanderson on the back of losing Hill and one of the du Preez twins and having fallen short again last season.
Biggest disappointment: New additions at Sarries mean Brantingham and Johnson spend more time in the stands than on the pitch this season. Puja nicked the L Chessum and Carnduff injury one I was going to go with.
Player having a breakthrough season:
Jack Charlie Bracken at Sarries, they desperately need a quality 9 to breakthrough and with old man Farrell back he could provide the platform to give Jack a run in the 9 shirt.
Best signing: Jamie Blamire to take to life at Tigers like a duck to water. Aided by the hookers at Tigers being mediocre. Could add to his caps by the end of the season.
Best unheralded signing: Josh Basham at Glaws, I think he could be a great acquisition for them. Was good for Falcons and LI before heading to Japan after LIs collapse. Can play across the backrow and is a good all rounder, the Ackerman replacement for the Glaws backrow. The two PI props Sarries have picked up are worth keeping an eye on as well.
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing: Guiedo Petti, arguably the biggest Prem signing of the summer with head to Quins late after the Rugby Championship and then be absent for the AIs, will make it hard to get up to speed with his teammates and might not hit his stride until after a rest during the 6N. Tough for him to be a star straight out the gate which will be the expectation.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing: Stu Townsend at Quins seems quite up there. I'm concerned Stewart the hooker at Tigers may be in the running for this as well but I'm going to go for Ethan Grayson at Falcons who didn't look a good fit at 10 for them on loan last season and who doesn't fit what Diamond likes at 12. For a team short on starting talent a squad depth signing is an odd choice.
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Fin Smith - Diamond already knows him and Red Bull look to sign a poster boy for their revolution, Fin is also out of contract next summer.
Last edited by FKAS on Tue Sep 09, 2025 12:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Epaminondas Pules
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Do you mean Charlie Bracken? Jack is the wing / fullback. And it is a good shout
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FKAS
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Bollocks yes I meant Charlie. Thanks EP.Epaminondas Pules wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 11:56 am Do you mean Charlie Bracken? Jack is the wing / fullback. And it is a good shout
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Scrumhead
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Premiership Winner: Bath (I think we’re all going to say this)
Table order:
Bath
Bristol
Tigers
Saints
Sale
Saracens
Gloucester
Harlequins
Exeter
Newcastle
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
1 semi finalist in the Champions Cup. 1 finalist in the Challenge Cup.
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N?
4/4 in the AIs. 2nd or 3rd in the 6N but improved performances.
Top try scorer: Adam Radwan
Top points scorer: George Ford
Surprise of the season: Danny Wilson to keep his job despite Quins being mostly awful.
Biggest disappointment: Seeing Rees-Zammit’s smug face when he scores quite a few tries.
Player having a breakthrough season: Carnduff
Best signing: Jibulu. I think he will edge LCD out as first choice.
Best unheralded signing: Basham was an excellent shout. I’m going to go with Mann at Gloucester.
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing: Arundell. I hope I’m wrong but I think he might struggle.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing: Julian Heaven finds Exeter hell
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27: Rees-Zammit
Table order:
Bath
Bristol
Tigers
Saints
Sale
Saracens
Gloucester
Harlequins
Exeter
Newcastle
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
1 semi finalist in the Champions Cup. 1 finalist in the Challenge Cup.
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N?
4/4 in the AIs. 2nd or 3rd in the 6N but improved performances.
Top try scorer: Adam Radwan
Top points scorer: George Ford
Surprise of the season: Danny Wilson to keep his job despite Quins being mostly awful.
Biggest disappointment: Seeing Rees-Zammit’s smug face when he scores quite a few tries.
Player having a breakthrough season: Carnduff
Best signing: Jibulu. I think he will edge LCD out as first choice.
Best unheralded signing: Basham was an excellent shout. I’m going to go with Mann at Gloucester.
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing: Arundell. I hope I’m wrong but I think he might struggle.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing: Julian Heaven finds Exeter hell
And, the Bonus Round:
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27: Rees-Zammit
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Epaminondas Pules
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
It is a great shout though. Could get a lots of game time. Will certainly get the chance. Up to him to take it.FKAS wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 12:45 pmBollocks yes I meant Charlie. Thanks EP.Epaminondas Pules wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 11:56 am Do you mean Charlie Bracken? Jack is the wing / fullback. And it is a good shout
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Scrumhead
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
100%. Van Zyl and Simpson aren’t the most difficult barriers to first team selection so the chance is definitely there.
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FKAS
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Scrumhead, how long have you been saving up that Heaven line? Excellent stuff.
Yeah I think Sarries are quite average at scrum half, a breakthrough season for Bracken could very much be on the cards especially with an experienced flyhalf likely to be his partner.
Yeah I think Sarries are quite average at scrum half, a breakthrough season for Bracken could very much be on the cards especially with an experienced flyhalf likely to be his partner.
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Scrumhead
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
A moment of off the cuff inspiration. Genuinely I thought ‘who’s made a load of pointless signings … Exeter … ah, there we go!’. 
Depressing to see everyone predicting a bad season for Quins. Don’t get me wrong - I’m right there with you but I hoped others might be more optimistic.
Our only saving grace is that I think the Exeter implosion will continue and even with the Red Bull money, Newcastle’s squad is too ragtag to be competitive for now.
Depressing to see everyone predicting a bad season for Quins. Don’t get me wrong - I’m right there with you but I hoped others might be more optimistic.
Our only saving grace is that I think the Exeter implosion will continue and even with the Red Bull money, Newcastle’s squad is too ragtag to be competitive for now.
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Puja
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
I'm still hurting from the year I made a "Call me Travis Ismaiel" joke as the intro to one of these prediction threads and got precisely zero (0) laughs. Ah well.Scrumhead wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 8:08 pm A moment of off the cuff inspiration. Genuinely I thought ‘who’s made a load of pointless signings … Exeter … ah, there we go!’.
Depressing to see everyone predicting a bad season for Quins. Don’t get me wrong - I’m right there with you but I hoped others might be more optimistic.
Our only saving grace is that I think the Exeter implosion will continue and even with the Red Bull money, Newcastle’s squad is too ragtag to be competitive for now.
My Quins prediction was less about pessimism for them and more about struggling to fit everyone into the table. Sale are going to do well, Bath are champions with big signings, Saints have got so much talent, I think Leicester may struggle a touch given the upheaval but they've signed well and In Parling We Trust, Bristol were on the up at the end of the season and looked to have their mojo back, Glaws keep defying my expectations and overperforming, so I can't put them too low, and you can never rule out Saracens. I actually considered gambling on Exeter having a good season - Baxter's done it before and Ikitau and Hooper are good signings - and also Newcastle shocking some people cause I think Diamond's going to get some performances out of his sow's ear, but I couldn't justify putting any of the other names 9th or 10th! I think Quins are suffering in the predictions for having had a quiet summer and not being newsworthy, but they've got a strong squad, Petti could be an inspirational signing if he stays fit, and MSmith will have a point or two to prove...
I can see any 1 of 9 teams making the playoffs without any issue (too early for Newcastle) if they get ilon a good run of form and any 1 of 8 teams finishing bottom (not Bath or Saints, who I think have too much quality) if luck goes against them.
Puja
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fivepointer
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
For anyone, like me, who hasnt followed the summer transfer activity this is very useful - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2 ... _transfers
Think Bath will again be the team to beat.
Ive got a feeling Gloucester could go well - I like some of their acquisitions. Quins and Exeter to struggle? Probably. Would like to see an upturn in fortunes for Newcastle but that may not happen.
I suspect a number of teams will have realistic top 4 chances.
Players to watch? LRZ Be very interesting to see how he goes. Bristol should suit him to a tee. Think Tom Jordan is a good pick up from them.
Here's hoping to see some of our u20s get decent game time, particularly Tuipolotu at Bath who could really push on quickly.
Think Bath will again be the team to beat.
Ive got a feeling Gloucester could go well - I like some of their acquisitions. Quins and Exeter to struggle? Probably. Would like to see an upturn in fortunes for Newcastle but that may not happen.
I suspect a number of teams will have realistic top 4 chances.
Players to watch? LRZ Be very interesting to see how he goes. Bristol should suit him to a tee. Think Tom Jordan is a good pick up from them.
Here's hoping to see some of our u20s get decent game time, particularly Tuipolotu at Bath who could really push on quickly.
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FKAS
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Good point on Tom Jordan, his style of play will suit Bristol brilliantly.
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Which Tyler
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Re: Premiership Predictions Thread 25-26 - 27% of all predictions go to CVC Capital Partners
Always try to put this together before reading other posters' opinions
Premiership Winner:
Bath – I feel we’ve strengthened the first XV (but sacrificed depth) in the transfer market, but should have more confidence in a big game
Table order:
Bath
Saracens
Gloucester
Bristol
Sale
Leicester
Northampton
Harlequins
Newcastle
Exeter
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
Don’t know, don’t care – current format is almost entirely uninteresting – I didn’t even watch all of Bath’s matches last year.
Top try scorer:
Rees-Zammit
Top points scorer:
Russell – with basically no matches clashing with internationals, you just have to go with the kicker for the team you expect to be at the top of the table
Surprise of the season:
The kids we’re wanting to see step up and get game time… actually do!
Biggest disappointment:
Saracens make top 4, ice man is credited, despite being a step backwards in the eyes of fans.
If that’s not allowed, then Exeter, despite some good signings, still can’t bring it together and fight their way up the table.
Player having a breakthrough season:
K Tuipulotu – I have a suspicion that he’ll play his way to Bath’s bench hooker by the end of the season, whilst I also hope that his gametime is carefully managed
Best signing:
van der Mescht (Northampton)
Best unheralded signing:
It’s a little hard to know what “unheralded” means in this context. I’ll plonk for Orlando Bailey but there may be better-heralded players who still count as unheralded.
Otherwise, (I’ll stick with the same club for the backup): Jamie Blamire – international quality hooker who ought to be expecting to earn first choice starter, but I’ve seen very little hype around his signing away from the Leicester board.
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing:
Owen Farrell (this one seems obvious – a bit like [Redacted] himself, it’s literally impossible to live up to that hype.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing:
Am I allowed Chris Harris? He’s a 1-year, injury cover signing - but I’m not sure I see him getting (or at least, deserving) gametime ahead of the other 4. He feels like we’re bring in an international centre to play PRC matches.
Otherwise, (I’ll stick with the same club for the backup): van der Linde. I mean, backup SH to Ben Spencer is a pretty thankless position, but a 24 year old with 7 appearances over 3 years? Presumably coming in to fight for 3rd choice with a younger, hotter model (with the same accent)?
Watch now, as he goes on to win “best unheralded”.
ETA:
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N?
3 from 4; then 3 from 5
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Joe Marchant
Premiership Winner:
Bath – I feel we’ve strengthened the first XV (but sacrificed depth) in the transfer market, but should have more confidence in a big game
Table order:
Bath
Saracens
Gloucester
Bristol
Sale
Leicester
Northampton
Harlequins
Newcastle
Exeter
European predictions - how will the English teams do?
Don’t know, don’t care – current format is almost entirely uninteresting – I didn’t even watch all of Bath’s matches last year.
Top try scorer:
Rees-Zammit
Top points scorer:
Russell – with basically no matches clashing with internationals, you just have to go with the kicker for the team you expect to be at the top of the table
Surprise of the season:
The kids we’re wanting to see step up and get game time… actually do!
Biggest disappointment:
Saracens make top 4, ice man is credited, despite being a step backwards in the eyes of fans.
If that’s not allowed, then Exeter, despite some good signings, still can’t bring it together and fight their way up the table.
Player having a breakthrough season:
K Tuipulotu – I have a suspicion that he’ll play his way to Bath’s bench hooker by the end of the season, whilst I also hope that his gametime is carefully managed
Best signing:
van der Mescht (Northampton)
Best unheralded signing:
It’s a little hard to know what “unheralded” means in this context. I’ll plonk for Orlando Bailey but there may be better-heralded players who still count as unheralded.
Otherwise, (I’ll stick with the same club for the backup): Jamie Blamire – international quality hooker who ought to be expecting to earn first choice starter, but I’ve seen very little hype around his signing away from the Leicester board.
The [Redacted] Award for lowest performance to hype ratio from a new signing:
Owen Farrell (this one seems obvious – a bit like [Redacted] himself, it’s literally impossible to live up to that hype.
The Jerome Schuster Award for most pointless signing:
Am I allowed Chris Harris? He’s a 1-year, injury cover signing - but I’m not sure I see him getting (or at least, deserving) gametime ahead of the other 4. He feels like we’re bring in an international centre to play PRC matches.
Otherwise, (I’ll stick with the same club for the backup): van der Linde. I mean, backup SH to Ben Spencer is a pretty thankless position, but a 24 year old with 7 appearances over 3 years? Presumably coming in to fight for 3rd choice with a younger, hotter model (with the same accent)?
Watch now, as he goes on to win “best unheralded”.
ETA:
International predictions - how many of the AIs will England win? How will we fare in the 6N?
3 from 4; then 3 from 5
The Biggest Name that Newcastle Red Bulls will announce is joining them for 26/27:
Joe Marchant