Saracens: Brad Barritt
Sarries might have sign glamourous names like Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola in their ranks. But it is club captain, Brad Barritt, who is the heartbeat of this side. The England centre is the glue that holds this Saracens team together. His crafty work in midfield was a huge reason for the club’s back-to-back Champions Cup wins and numerous Premiership triumphs. And this season, despite turning 32 this month, he will again be pulling the strings.
Wasps: Brad Shields
With James Haskell leaving for Northampton Saints, the onus will be on Shields to organise the Wasps back-row, which will be crucial to a potential title challenge and rune in Europe. The flanker has had a fairytale run with the Highlanders before making his England debut in the summer. And till now has shown no signs of stopping.
Worcester Warriors: Cornell du Preez
Giant back-row Du Preez joins the Premiership side from Edinburgh. Known as a powerful ball carrier, Du Preez has won six caps for Scotland since making his international debut against England in 2017. The giant back row made over 100 appearances for Edinburgh and helped the Scottish outfit to the European Challenge Cup final in 2015. He is a more than capable replacement for David Denton.