2018/19 Gallagher Premiership Season

(C) Premiership Rugby

“In the past, people have said it will be the most competitive Premiership ever. Maybe they were lying four or five years ago but I don’t think we’re lying when we say that now. There’s new, world-class coaches, some really exciting signings at all of the clubs, so we’re excited but nervous at the same time."

The thoughts of Mark McCall about the forthcoming season and I have to say that I am firmly in his camp because there's no question in my mind that the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season will be the best yet. 

First, let's look across at the player movement that Mark talks and I guarantee you that the bubbles of excitement about the new season will start building. Stardust is arriving in the form of George Smith and Charles Piutau at Bristol Rugby, David Strettle is back at Saracens and personally I'm keen to see Semi Kunatani's role at Harlequins. Elsewhere, Dan Biggar's and James Haskell's development at Saints will be fascinating as will the work of some of Leicester Tigers' key newbies - Guy Thompson, Kyle Eastmond and David Denton.  

Ahead of the 2018/19 season, clubs have been astute when it comes to boosting their squads and the targeted nature of their recruitment should see their outputs enhanced. I know that it sounds obvious, and clearly that's the point of recruitment in the first place, but sometimes teams don't quite hit the nail on the head fully. There are plenty more new recruits to look at and instead of highlighting the obvious here's a few others to watch out for. Keep an eye out on Sione Vailanu at Saracens, Johnny Williams and Tom Arscott at Newcastle Falcons, Duncan Weir at Worcester Warriors and Gerbrandt Grobler at Gloucester Rugby. All are individuals that I'm keen to see develop over the first few weeks of the new term and perhaps are individuals have gone slightly under the radar during their sides' pre-season campaigns. 

The second element of the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season that excites me is the fact that so many of the clubs have points to prove. From where I'm sitting all 12 sides have extremely strong driving forces behind them and I'll touch on a couple now. 

For Bristol Bears it's all about bucking the recent trend of the promoted Championship side struggling and shaking things up from the get to. The first past the post nature of the Championship last season, will have facilitated Pat Lam's planning and the names within their squad certainly sends a message of intent. But, the unknown is the team's ability to convert that intent into results and their ability to ride the relentless nature of the Premiership competition. Will they have the output and squad depth to pick up wins, week in and week out? For now, the short-term goal will be starting strongly and being in a position that creates some waves after the first six rounds. 

Two established Premiership clubs that will have ambition burning through their veins stronger than ever will be Harlequins and Northampton Saints. With new management at the helm of both clubs their challenges will be similar - gelling as units, adapting quickly to fresh voices and gaining results whilst doing so. After disappointing finishes to their respective seasons last time out, starting strongly and banishing any niggling doubts about the possibility of that happening again will be vital. 

The pressure on Mark McCall's Saracens will be to embrace (once again) being the 'hunted'  side and the reigning champions. It's a familiar position for them to be in and one that I expect them to thrive from. I was at their final pre-season match against Ospreys and their players looked well-drilled and in excellent condition. It looked to me like their S&C work has gone up a notch and you'll know exactly what I mean when you see Will Skelton on your screens for the first time. The holders look to be ready to raise their playing intensity to a new level and have the talent in their squad to set the pace from day one. 

One other element that I'd like to touch on before wishing you a very prosperous new season is the fact that there's the small matter of Rugby World Cup 2019 just around the corner. From a player's point of view that will be something that's in their minds... externally, they'll say that it's not a consideration point but we all know that it is. This Gallagher Premiership season there will be some individuals looking to knock the socks off Eddie Jones and prove that they are the 'X-Factor' player and 'bolter' that he's said that he's keeping an eye out for. For others, opportunities may arise unexpectedly and they will want to make sure that they are the first cab off the rank in that situation. The players that are already firmly in Jones' thinking won't be comfortable (he's famed for making things uncomfortable for all) and as a result that will be driving their personal output.

Player movement, clubs with points to prove, new management and the context of Rugby World Cup 2019 are all factors that should drive the new season forwards at pace. The 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season has the potential to be more competitive than ever before and I can't wait to see it kick-off in front of a club record attendance at Ashton Gate on Friday night. Welcome back Premiership rugby, we've missed you!

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby season starts on Friday 31 September with Bristol Rugby taking on Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate and the match is live on BT Sport 1 from 7pm. Out On The Full will have all of the team news for that game HERE on Thursday.