PREM Rugby: Round One Team News as Owen Farrell makes Saracens return

The Gallagher Premiership season kicks off under the Thursday night lights as Sale Sharks host Gloucester Rugby at CorpAcq Stadium, marking the first test of the 2025/26 campaign. Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has named a potent mix of international experience and Academy talent, signalling intent from the very first whistle.

New club captain Ernst van Rhyn leads the side alongside England stars Bevan Rodd, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Ben Curry, George Ford, Tom Roebuck, and Joe Carpenter, while promising Premiership debutant Nathan Jibulu completes a dynamic front row.

Van Rhyn partners Ben Bamber in the second row, with Jacques Vermeulen, Curry, and Sam Dugdale forming a back row that blends physicality and intelligence. Half-back pairing Gus Warr and George Ford will direct play, supported by a back line featuring centre power from Rekeiti Ma’asi-White and Rob du Preez, with the pace and finishing skills of Tom O’Flaherty, Roebuck, and Carpenter completing a dangerous back three. Academy graduates Dom Hanson, Tristan Woodman, and Arron Reed are among the replacements, offering depth and energy.

Gloucester arrive with a side blending experience and debutants, with captain Tomos Williams returning from injury at scrum-half, joined by new signing Ross Byrne. Harrison Bellamy, Jack Innard, and Afolabi Fasogbon make up a young front row, with Arthur Clark and Matias Alemanno in the engine room. Coach Rob Hunter will be looking to exploit Sale’s defensive lines through Ollie Thorley, Ben Loader, and Charlie Atkinson in the back three. The opener promises high intensity and a fast-paced start as both teams vie to set the tone for the season.

Starting XV: 1. Bevan Rodd, 2. Nathan Jibulu, 3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 4. Ernst van Rhyn ©, 5. Ben Bamber, 6. Jacques Vermeulen, 7. Ben Curry, 8. Sam Dugdale, 9. Gus Warr, 10. George Ford, 11. Tom O’Flaherty, 12. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, 13. Rob du Preez, 14. Tom Roebuck, 15. Joe Carpenter

Replacements: 16. Ethan Caine, 17. Simon McIntyre, 18. WillGriff John, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Tom Burrow, 21. Dom Hanson, 22. Arron Reed, 23. Tristan Woodman

Starting XV: 1. Harrison Bellamy, 2. Jack Innard, 3. Afolabi Fasogbon, 4. Arthur Clark (VC), 5. Matias Alemanno, 6. Freddie Thomas, 7. James Venter*, 8. Jack Clement, 9. Tomos Williams (C), 10. Ross Byrne*, 11. Ollie Thorley, 12. Seb Atkinson (VC), 13. Max Llewellyn, 14. Ben Loader, 15. Charlie Atkinson

Replacements: 16. Kealan Freeman-Price*, 17. Archie McArthur*, 18. Kirill Gotovtsev, 19. Cam Jordan, 20. Lewis Ludlow, 21. Caolan Englefield, 22. Will Joseph, 23. Josiah Edwards-Giraud*

Harlequins open their Gallagher Premiership campaign at a sold-out Twickenham Stoop as reigning champions welcome Bath for a mouthwatering Round One clash. Jason Gilmore’s side benefits from a strong injection of international experience in the forwards, with Fin Baxter anchoring the front row, Chandler Cunningham-South providing power at lock, and skipper Alex Dombrandt returning to lead from No. 8.

The pack also boasts exciting debutants, with Harry Williams and summer signing Kieran Treadwell ready to make an impact in the engine room. Will Porter partners Jarrod Evans in a pivotal half-back pairing, while Sean Kerr links with newly-capped England centre Oscar Beard. On the wings, Cadan Murley returns, flanked by Nick David, with Tyrone Green at full-back.

Quarters’ coach Gilmore has strategically named a youthful bench including Zach Carr and Ludo Kolade, set for their Gallagher Premiership debuts, alongside experienced campaigners George Turner and Jordan Els. “It’s an important game to get our season started,” said Gilmore. “We know how crucial a strong opening performance is after last season’s final-minute setbacks.”

Bath, under Johann van Graan, arrive with a mix of experience and fresh talent. Beno Obano returns in the front row, Tom Dunn starts at hooker, and Vilikesa Sela earns his first Premiership start. Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels form the lock pairing, while the back row features Josh Bayliss, Guy Pepper, and Miles Reid at No. 8. Ben Spencer captains from scrum-half, partnered with Max Ojomoh at fly-half, with Arundell and Cokanasiga on the wings and Tom de Glanville at full-back.

Expect intensity, physicality, and high-paced rugby as both sides look to make their mark on the opening weekend.

STARTING XV: 15. Tyrone Green, 14. Nick David, 13. Oscar Beard, 12. Sean Kerr, 11. Cadan Murley, 10. Jarrod Evans, 9. Will Porter, 1. Fin Baxter, 2. Jack Walker, 3. Harry Williams, 4. Chandler Cunningham-South, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Jack Kenningham, 7. Will Evans, 8. Alex Dombrandt

REPLACEMENTS: 16. George Turner, 17. Jordan Els, 18. Ollie Streeter, 19. Jonny Green, 20. Zach Carr, 21. Max Green, 22. Ludo Kolade, 23. Cameron Anderson

STARTING XV: 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Vilikesa Sela, 4. Quinn Roux, 5. Charlie Ewels, 6. Josh Bayliss, 7. Guy Pepper, 8. Miles Reid, 9. Ben Spencer, 10. Max Ojomoh, 11. Henry Arundell, 12. Cameron Redpath, 13. Ollie Lawrence, 14. Joe Cokanasiga, 15. Tom de Glanville

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Kepueli Tuipulotu, 17. Francois Van Wyk, 18. Archie Griffin, 19. Ross Molony, 20. Ted Hill, 21. Tom Carr-Smith, 22. Chris Harris, 23. Sam Underhill

Newcastle Red Bulls kick off their Gallagher Premiership campaign at Kingston Park as they welcome Saracens in what promises to be an electric opening-week clash. Boeta Chamberlain is set to make his Red Bulls debut at full-back, while George McGuigan leads the side and is just one try away from his 50th Newcastle score. Amanaki Mafi continues to anchor the back row at No. 8 following a powerful debut, with summer signings Freddie Clarke and Fergus Lee-Warner named among the replacements.

Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has stressed the importance of fundamentals ahead of the match: challenging the breakdown, managing the game, and maintaining discipline. “Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership will be a big step up in quality and intensity,” he said. “They’ve got an incredible squad, and by their own admission they probably took us a little bit for granted last season. I’m sure that won’t be the case this time round.”

The Red Bulls will be looking to build on momentum from their recent Premiership Cup win over Harlequins, with Elliott Obatoyinbo potentially marking his 50th appearance for the club from the bench. A sold-out Kingston Park reflects the excitement surrounding Newcastle’s new era following the Red Bull takeover, with fans embracing both the rugby and the off-field spectacle.

Saracens, meanwhile, travel to the North East with a squad brimming with international experience. Owen Farrell makes his eagerly awaited return at inside centre, linking with Nick Tompkins in a formidable midfield pairing. Max Malins resumes at full-back, with Rotimi Segun and Brandon Jackson on the wings. The front row of Rhys Carre, Theo Dan, and Marco Riccioni, plus the engine room of Nick Isiekwe and Hugh Tizard, provide serious Premiership firepower. Ivan van Zyl captains from scrum-half, while Tom Willis anchors the back row with Nathan Michelow and Andy Onyeama-Christie.

STARTING XV: 15. Boeta Chamberlain, 14. Oli Spencer, 13. Sammy Arnold, 12. Max Clark, 11. Alex Hearle, 10. Brett Connon, 9. Sam Stuart, 1. Murray McCallum, 2. George McGuigan, 3. Luan de Bruin, 4. Oscar Usher, 5. Jamie Hodgson, 6. Cameron Neild, 7. Tom Gordon, 8. Amanaki Mafi

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ollie Fletcher, 17. Adam Brocklebank, 18. Richard Palframan, 19. Freddie Clarke, 20. Fergus Lee-Warner, 21. Freddie Lockwood, 22. James Elliott, 23. Elliott Obatoyinbo

STARTING XV: 15. Max Malins, 14. Brandon Jackson, 13. Nick Tompkins, 12. Owen Farrell, 11. Rotimi Segun, 10. Fergus Burke, 9. Ivan van Zyl, 1. Rhys Carre, 2. Theo Dan, 3. Marco Riccioni, 4. Nick Isiekwe, 5. Hugh Tizard, 6. Nathan Michelow, 7. Andy Onyeama-Christie, 8. Tom Willis

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Eoghan Clarke, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Alec Clarey, 19. Harry Wilson, 20. Olamide Sodeke, 21. Charlie Bracken, 22. Cameron Hutchison, 23. Noah Caluori

George Hendy marks his 50th Saints appearance as Northampton kick off their Gallagher Premiership campaign at home against Exeter Chiefs. Fraser Dingwall captains the side, with Tom Litchfield joining him in midfield. Edoardo Todaro, 19, makes his league debut on the wing alongside James Ramm, with Hendy at full-back.

Scrum-half Archie McParland and fly-half Anthony Belleau also make their first Premiership starts of the season, while the front row remains unchanged from last week’s 49-34 win over Saracens in the Premiership Rugby Cup. Alex Coles returns to the second row alongside Ed Prowse, and the back row consists of Angus Scott-Young, Tom Pearson, and Callum Chick at No.8.

Replacements include a number of league debutants, notably JJ Van Der Mescht, alongside Elliot Millar Mills, Sam Graham, Jonny Weimann, and Rory Hutchinson.

Exeter Chiefs welcome back Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Dafydd Jenkins, and Greg Fisilau, all passed fit to play. Director of Rugby Rob Baxter stressed the need to focus on their own game plan while acknowledging Northampton’s strengths.

STARTING XV: 15. George Hendy, 14. Edoardo Todaro, 13. Tom Litchfield, 12. Fraser Dingwall (c), 11. James Ramm, 10. Anthony Belleau, 9. Archie McParland, 1. Emmanuel Iyogun, 2. Craig Wright, 3. Trevor Davison, 4. Alex Coles, 5. Ed Prowse, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Tom Pearson, 8. Callum Chick

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Henry Walker, 17. Danilo Fischetti, 18. Elliot Millar Mills, 19. JJ Van Der Mescht, 20. Sam Graham, 21. Jonny Weimann, 22. Rory Hutchinson, 23. Toby Thame

STARTING XV: 15. Josh Hodge, 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Ben Hammersley, 11. Paul Brown-Bampoe, 10. Harvey Skinner, 9. Stephen Varney, 1. Will Goodrick-Clarke, 2. Joseph Dweba, 3. Josh Iosefa-Scott, 4. Rusi Tuima, 5. Lewis Pearson, 6. Christ Tshiunza, 7. Ethan Roots (c), 8. Ross Vintcent

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Jack Yeandle, 17. Kwenzo Blose, 18. Bachuki Tchumbadze, 19. Dafydd Jenkins, 20. Greg Fisilau, 21. Charlie Chapman, 22. Nick Lilley, 23. Kane James

Bristol Bears kick off their 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership campaign at Ashton Gate on Sunday, with skipper Fitz Harding set to make his 100th appearance for the club. Harding also captains the side for the 50th time, leading a back row alongside veteran Steven Luatua and newly capped Argentina international Benjamin Grondona. The Bears’ forward pack combines experience and continuity, with James Dun returning in the second row alongside Joe Batley, while Jake Woolmore, Gabriel Oghre, and George Kloska anchor the front row.

In the backline, Tom Jordan makes his first Premiership appearance at fullback, with Louis Rees-Zammit and Gabriel Ibitoye providing speed and finishing power on the wings. Harry Randall and AJ MacGinty control the game from halfback, while Joe Jenkins and Benhard Janse van Rensburg bring skill and creativity in midfield. Bristol’s bench also offers depth, with Fijian internationals Viliame Mata and Kalaveti Ravouvou capable of changing the game.

Leicester Tigers travel to BS3 with a strong squad, captained by Hanro Liebenberg in the absence of Ollie Chessum. Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet, and Joe Heyes return to first-team action, while Orlando Bailey, Jamie Blamire, and James Thompson make their Premiership debuts. The Tigers blend youth and experience, with Ollie Hassell-Collins and Emeka Ilione both reaching 50 appearances. Their dynamic backline, powerful forwards, and versatile bench provide multiple pathways to score.

STARTING XV: 15. Tom Jordan, 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. Joe Jenkins, 12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 11. Gabriel Ibitoye, 10. AJ MacGinty, 9. Harry Randall, 1. Jake Woolmore, 2. Gabriel Oghre, 3. George Kloska, 4. James Dun, 5. Joe Batley, 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Fitz Harding (c), 8. Benjamin Grondona

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Harry Thacker, 17. Sam Grahamslaw, 18. Lovejoy Chawatama, 19. Joe Owen, 20. Viliame Mata, 21. Kieran Marmion, 22. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 23. Josh Carrington

STARTING XV: 15. Freddie Steward, 14. Adam Radwan, 13. Will Wand, 12. Joseph Woodward, 11. Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10. Orlando Bailey, 9. Jack van Poortvliet, 1. Nicky Smith, 2. Jamie Blamire, 3. Joe Heyes, 4. Cameron Henderson, 5. James Thompson, 6. Hanro Liebenberg (c), 7. Emeka Ilione, 8. Olly Cracknell

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Charlie Clare, 17. Tarek Haffar, 18. Will Hurd, 19. Joshua Manz, 20. Joaquin Moro, 21. Tom Whiteley, 22. Billy Searle, 23. Solomone Kata