Bath have spent big in an attempt to finally fulfil their potential, it’s a transitional phase for Exeter, but can anyone stop Saracens? Mail Sport’s guide to the Gallagher Premiership as the new season gets underway tonight

• The Gallagher Premiership gets underway on Friday as Bristol host Leicester
• Saracens are the reigning champions and will fancy winning the title again
• Other teams have strengthened heavily, but it’s looking bleak for Newcastle 
• Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

While the Rugby World Cup in France continues to entertain us as the nights close in, there is the small matter of Premiership Rugby returning this evening.

Last season saw another enthralling campaign as Saracens won their sixth title after a 35-25 victory over Sale in the final at Twickenham.

However, there was also plenty of drama as both Worcester Warriors and Wasps folded during the season amid financial turmoil, before London Irish followed the same fate in June in what are worrying signs for the sport.

But it all begins again on Friday night as Bristol host Leicester Tigers at Ashton Gate.

In light of that, Mail Sport’s ALEX BYWATER provides you with a guide to all 10 teams and raises the question of whether anyone can stop the Saracens juggernaut.

The Gallagher Premiership returns this weekend, with Saracens the reigning champions

BATH

Head coach: Johann van Graan

Captain: Ben Spencer

Key man: Finn Russell

Stadium: The Rec (cap: 14,509)

Last season: 8th

Verdict: They have spent big on bringing in Finn Russell from Racing 92. It’s fascinating he is already in training with Bath after Scotland’s World Cup exit. I’m not sure that’s a good look at a time when the sport is supposed to be looking after player welfare. Bath have criminally underachieved for years. It needs to start changing.

Bath have spent big on bringing in Scotland star Finn Russell, who is already in training

BRISTOL BEARS

Director of rugby: Pat Lam

Captain: Fitz Harding

Key man: Virimi Vakatawa

Stadium: Ashton Gate (27,000)

Last season: 9th

Verdict: Like rivals Bath, Bristol haven’t seen a return on investment in recent years. Star props Kyle Sinckler and Ellis Genge will miss the start, but Vakatawa has the ability to light up the Premiership if he is truly over his heart issues.

EXETER CHIEFS

Director of rugby: Rob Baxter

Captain: Jack Yeandle

Key man: Henry Slade

Stadium: Sandy Park (15,600)

Last season: 7th

Verdict: In Joe Hawkins and Henry Slade, Exeter have a promising midfield combination. But the Chiefs are almost starting from scratch again under Rob Baxter after a host of departures.

The Chiefs are almost starting from scratch again under Rob Baxter after a host of departures

GLOUCESTER

Head coach: George Skivington

Captain: Lewis Ludlow

Key man: Zach Mercer

Stadium: Kingsholm (16,115)

Last season: 10th

Verdict: Decimated by injuries last season but surely won’t be badly hit again. Mercer is a key signing but they face a tough task to trouble the best.

Zach Mercer is a key signing for Gloucester, but they will face a tough task to trouble the best

HARLEQUINS

Director of rugby: Billy Millard

Captain: Stephan Lewies

Key man: Alex Dombrandt

Stadium: Twickenham Stoop (14,800)

Last season: 6th

Verdict: They’re great to watch but missed out on last season’s play-offs. Jarrod Evans is a like-for-like replacement for Marcus Smith while he is away with England but you wonder if they’ve got the forward power required.

LEICESTER TIGERS

Head coach: Dan McKellar

Captain: Julian Montoya

Key man: Ollie Hassell-Collins

Stadium: Mattioli Woods Welford Road (25,849)

Last season: Semi-finals

Verdict: It’s a new era with McKellar in charge after the departures of Steve Borthwick and Richard Wigglesworth. Ollie Hassell-Collins should thrive, especially with McKellar looking to evolve their attacking game.

It’s a new era for Leicester with Dan McKellar in charge after the departure of Steve Borthwick

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Head coach: Alex Codling

Captain: Callum Chick

Key man: Adam Radwan

Stadium: Kingston Park (10,200)

Last season: 11th

Verdict: Their squad resembles a Championship outfit and a long campaign could be on the horizon. The Falcons finished bottom last season, 10 points off Gloucester, and a repeat is likely.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

Director of rugby: Phil Dowson

Captain: Lewis Ludlam

Key man: Tom Pearson

Stadium: Franklin’s Gardens (15,200)

Last season: Semi-finals

Verdict: Having George Furbank, Tom Pearson, Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman in their squad to start the season bodes well. They visit Sale on the opening weekend but after that have a series of winnable fixtures.

Lewis Ludlam’s Northampton side have a set of winnable fixtures after their clash with Sale

SALE SHARKS

Director of rugby: Alex Sanderson

Captain: Ben Curry

Key man: Luke Cowan-Dickie

Stadium: AJ Bell Stadium (12,000)

Last season: Runners-up

Verdict: Alex Sanderson is doing a fine job in charge of the Sharks. They should be there or thereabouts once again.

SARACENS

Director of rugby: Mark McCall

Captain: Owen Farrell

Key man: Alex Goode

Stadium: StoneX Stadium (10,500)

Last season: Champions

Verdict: All of their best players are with England so they may start slowly but they are the league’s dominant force and are favourites to reclaim their title.

Alex Goode, 35, is set to be Saracens key player yet again as they look to go back-to-back

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