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The English Premiership’s 2018-2019 season begins on Friday. With it being the final season before a Rugby World Cup there is added reason to follow the competition closely.
Eddie Jones’ England is far from having its line-up confirmed. Players from all clubs are still looking to get their way into the roster. Meanwhile many of the 20 teams to compete at Japan 2019 have players who play their rugby in the English Premiership. This includes Argentina, the USA and possible qualifiers Canada (Repechage Winner).
Changes from last season see Bristol promoted back from Greene King IPA Championship. Bristol replace London Irish and have been rebranded as the Bristol Bears.
Bath
The West Country side is far from its former glory of being a constant threat for the title. The club is realistically going to need to improve a lot from last season if it is to stand a chance of playing in the final. At the club is Argentine Lucas Noguera Paz (prop) who joined during the previous season.
Prospects: Mid-Table
Bristol Bears
Having easily won promotion from the second division the Bristol Bears are, in theory, well placed to avoid relegation. The club’s roster, however, is not so deep. A lack of depth behind the top line-up will ask serious questions throughout the season. Eagle Thretton Palamo (center) is no longer at the club.
Prospects: Relegation
Exeter Chiefs
Champions in 2017 and finalists in 2016 and 2018, the Exeter Chiefs are now a proven force. A title this season is to be within reach of the club. Set to feature heavily is Santiago Cordero (wing) who is targeting a second RWC for Los Pumas.
Prospects: Finalists
Gloucester
Underwhelming recent seasons for Gloucester have seen the club far from threatening the top sides. A 7th placed finish last season looms as a likely reality again this time around. Searching for a return to international duty is Mariano Galarza (second-row).
Prospects: Mid-Table
Harlequins
The Quins have not been title contenders in recent seasons. A new coaching team and recruits may boost the team though there still appears to be distance between where the team needs to be. Among the arrivals is Eagle Paul Lasike (center), a potential stand-out for RWC 2019.
Prospects: Lower-Table
Leicester Tigers
The East Midland powerhouses are the benchmark of rugby in England. No team has come close to matching Leicester’s record of 20 major titles. Anything other than an appearance in the English Premiership Final is deemed insufficient. Gone form the club is Eagle Chris Baumann (prop). Argentine players Facundo Gigena and Gastón Cortés (both props) are Tigers, the latter moving from Bristol for the new season.
Prospects: Semi Finalists
Newcastle Falcons
The Northern most side in England has been closely followed by fans from Argentina, Canada, and the USA in recent years. Moves see Evan Olmstead (lock), DTH van der Merwe (wing), Juan Pablo Socino (center), and Nick Civetta (lock) all playing elsewhere. Remaining is Santiago Socino (hooker) and Paul Mullen (prop) joins from Major League Rugby.
Prospects: Mid-Table
Northampton Saints
Having been crowned English champions in 2015 the Saints have been unable to return to such a level of competitiveness. Last season was the worst of the three, finishing 9th. A similar position looms as the likely outcome for the Saints.
Prospects: Lower Table
Sale Sharks
Little recruitment has been made by the Sale Sharks. The Manchester area’s team has been improving in recent years and AJ MacGinty (fly half) has been heavily involved. The Eagles play-maker is to be a man to watch closely in the final season before Japan 2019.
Prospects: Mid-Table
Saracens
The reigning champions are favorites to win the title again in the 2018-2019 season. Eagle Chris Wyles (wing) retired, doing so by winning his third Premiership title. He also won the Champions Cup twice. Titi Lamositele remains to fly the star-and-stripes in North London. Pumas Juan Figallo (prop), and Marcelo Bosch (center) have both also won multiple titles. the trio are all in consideration to play in RWC 2019.
Prospects: Champions
Wasps
The Coventry-based club have a strong roster. The club will be a contender for the title though, like in prior seasons, competing for the duration of the campaign will likely pay its toll.
Prospects: Semi Finalists
Worcester Warriors
The Worcester Warriors easily avoided relegation last season. This, in itself, was a tremendous achievement. Now for the new season the club can look to do even better. Joe Taufete’e (hooker) will be one of the players who could light-up RWC 2019. Unlike previously he will not have Eagles teammates with him this season.
Prospects: Lower-Table
