5 to watch in the Gallagher Premiership this season

The new Gallagher Premiership season begins next week and despite the World Cup currently taking place in Japan, several global stars will be involved from the start and even more will take part in English rugby union’s top flight later in the year.

Here, PA news agency takes a lot at five players who could dominate the headlines and have a big say in who wins the title this term.

Stuart Hogg (Exeter)

Lood De Jager (Sale)

A number of South African forwards have moved to AJ Bell Stadium for the new campaign and De Jager is the most eye-catching. Described as a “world class line-out operator” by Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond, the second row is 6ft 9 and by agreeing a three-year deal with the Greater Manchester club, will attempt to help them transition from a mid-table outfit into a serious challenger in the coming seasons. A calf injury initially cast some doubt over his World Cup involvement, but predictably he fought his way back to fitness and has impressed in Japan and no doubt will with Sale too.

Marcus Smith (Harlequins)

The 20-year-old fly-half has been tipped as an England star for a long time and backed up the hype with a man of the match performance on his senior international debut in June. A total of 26 points against the Barbarians showed his potential and despite missing out on Eddie Jones’ squad for Japan, he will hope to be a central figure at the next World Cup in 2023. He will look to hit the ground running in his third campaign, lead Harlequins into the play-offs this time and attempt to improve on last season’s 170 points-tally. A tough ask, but doable.

Waisake Naholo (London Irish)

Newly promoted London Irish are not back in the top flight to merely make up the numbers and will hope World Cup-winning All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo can help them start with a bang. He has 16 tries in 26 Tests for New Zealand, but was not selected for the World Cup and so will be available earlier than initially expected by director of rugby Declan Kidney. If he can be clinical out wide, it will help the new-look Exiles settle back in the Premiership.

Paddy Jackson (London Irish)

Others to look out for

Another number 10 who will no doubt want to take the headlines is Gloucester’s Danny Cipriani, especially after he missed out on England’s World Cup squad. Meanwhile, Malakai Fekitoa will be expected to make a big impression at Wasps after a move from Toulon and force of nature Sekope Kepu, now of London Irish, will leave his mark on many rivals this term.