The new Gallagher Premiership Rugby season is still a few months away but there’s plenty of world-class talent set to arrive on British shores to get fans excited.
Bristol Bears return to the league after a one-year absence with Pat Lam at the helm while Paul Gustard will be the new man in charge of Harlequins.
On the field though, there’s a host of exciting prospects joining Gallagher Premiership Rugby clubs and we’ve picked out three marquee signings to look out for come the autumn
1. Brad Shields (Hurricanes to Wasps)
Shields’ move to Wasps was announced at the end of 2017 but such is the talent the flanker offers, he’s already been called up to the England squad by Eddie Jones. The 27-year-old back row will be part of the three-Test tour of South Africa this summer having recently surpassed 100 appearances in Super Rugby.
With Guy Thompson and James Haskell both leaving the Ricoh Arena at the end of last season, there’s space for Shields to make an immediate impact in Coventry. Eddie Jones said: “Brad is a big strong player who does the basics well – he’s a good number six who has a high work rate, tackles well, carries well, and is a good line-out option.
2. Alex Lewington (London Irish to Saracens)
Sarries have agreed on a deal to sign London Irish speedster Lewington at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has scored 24 tries in 63 matches for the Exiles since joining the Berkshire-based club from Leicester Tigers in the summer of 2013.
3. Guy Thompson (Wasps to Leicester)
Head coach Matt O’Connor believes that the versatility of the 31-year-old will give him added back-row options at Welford Road.
The back-rower has appeared over 90 times since joining Wasps from Jersey in 2013 and has scored 24 tries.