2019/2020 Gallagher Premiership Rugby preview
Image: Unsplash; Hanson Lu
From club promotions and new signings to the battle for the top four, we preview the rugby Gallagher Premiership ahead of the new season.
After a thrilling 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season, that culminated in an enthralling climax at Twickenham, we're looking ahead to the new rugby season.
Ones to watch, Saracens, came out on top against league winners Exeter Chiefs in the Grand Final at Twickenham. They claimed a pulsating encounter 37-34 to win their 5th title overall, and their fourth in the last five years. But what will the 2019/20 campaign bring? Will Saracens and Exeter continue to dominate?
Read on for our preview of the 2019/2020 Gallagher Premiership season.
Who has been promoted from the RFU Championship?
Last season we said goodbye to the Newcastle Falcons as they were relegated to the Championship. Their replacements this year are London Irish, who topped the Championship last season winning 20 of their 22 matches and amassing a huge 99 points.
London Irish have prepared for life in the Premiership by getting the cheque book out. They have brought in superstar names such as Nick Phipps, Sean O’Brien and Waisake Naholo as they look to avoid the drop.
New signings to look out for
The stand-out signing of the summer seems to be the acquisition of Scotland international, Stuart Hogg by the Exeter Chiefs. The fullback is sure to light up the premiership this season to aid Exeter’s efforts in claiming back the title.
The All Black international Naholo will be another one to watch. His trademark rampaging runs down the wing are likely to cause havoc.
Last but not least, Wasp starlet Elliot Daly has made the move to current champions Saracens in search for major trophies. Look out for his big boot and exhilarating pace as he and Saracens chase another title.
The battle for the top 4
Last season the race for the top 4 semi-final spots went down to the wire with Northampton Saints grabbing the final place. Next season, you can expect more of the same, with many evenly matched teams fighting for third and fourth.
Saracens and Exeter are likely to battle it out for the top two spots; they’ve both bolstered their already strong squads with some top-class signings. That leaves the likes of Gloucester, Northampton, Sale, Bath, Leicester, Wasps and Harlequins to battle it out for the remaining two places.
Will Saracens defend their Premiership Rugby title?
To the disappointment of some rugby fans, the Premiership is likely to be another two-sided affair in the upcoming season. Saracens squad depth and incomparable home form at Allianz Park means they’re likely to feature in the top two-unsurprisingly they are our pick to be crowned champions after improving their squad further.
Exeter Chiefs will be best placed to stop Saracens from winning for a third season in a row. Additions such as Stuart Hogg will add the firepower the Chiefs have been missing to get them over the line.
We have some spectacular hospitality packages available for the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season, including the champions Saracens at Allianz Park. For more information please email our customer service team.
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