Aviva Premiership Best Signings For The 2015/16 Season
Bath
Rhys Priestland (Fly half)- The Welsh playmaker joins a host of fellow countrymen migrating over the border and will be sorely missed at the Scarlets. His running style should suit Bath's expansive game and he should help to ignite the likes of Eastmond and Joseph outside of him with gainline efficiency. However his addition is puzzling, his style matches that of a certain George Ford who undoubtedly will be first choice, and with Priestland growing in the Wales 10 shirt, he offers no cover during international periods. Therefore only time will tell how Bath will utilise his impressive skill set but lets hope they don't rely on his goal kicking (60% in the European last year)!
A top player and an excellent addition but competition is fierce- Signing Rating 8/10
Exeter Chiefs
Julian Salvi (Openside)- What a signing this is! Although there may only be a few years left in the tank, Salvi could be the difference for the Chiefs this season in their push for the playoffs. Salvi completes the Chiefs raid of the Leicester Tigers pack and brings with him a wealth of premiership knowhow and a tackle rate like no other. He continuously tops the tackle and turnover counts and has a miraculous knack of getting to practically every breakdown, so much so that the Tigers had a set play which involved purposely kicking to the opposition in order to isolate the player with Salvi and win a penalty at the resulting breakdown. Not bad for a man approaching his thirties. He completes an impressive intake from the Chiefs and mention must go to Geoff Parling and Michele Campagnaro who are excellent additions as well.
Signing Rating 8/10
Gloucester
Jeremy Thrush (Lock)- The All Black replaces the departing Tom Palmer, and should be suited well to the Cherry and Whites expansive play after spending time in the Super 15. However at 6ft5 and 115kg he is also a powerful addition and will surprise defences with his impressive agility and speed. A workhorse could be just what Gloucester need after showing frailties at set pieces and he should compliment the likes of Kvesic at the breakdown. A good bit of business but not quite the calibre that other clubs have acquired.
Signing Rating 6/10
Harlequins
Jamie Roberts (Inside centre)- After relaxing in the French capital, the 6ft4 wrecking ball is trading croissants for a cappuccino in Chris Robshaw's Cafe as he migrates to London with Quins. Roberts is a no nonsense player and you know exactly what you are getting whether it be his incredible man marking or his ability to pick a line. It is also just what Quins needed as last season they fielded very inexperienced, young centres who struggled in the big games. We all know what Roberts is capable of and if Quins can get their new signings to perform to their capabilities, they could be a very strong force, with new assurance in the centre and the likes of Yarde, Care and Brown causing mayhem.
A very impressive haul from Quins this summer, other notable additions are James Horwill, Adam Jones and Tim Visser. Signing Rating 9/10
Leicester Tigers
Everyone associated with Tigers is aware that a big money signing should be announced after or during the world cup and that is an exciting prospect for an already strong squad looking to resurrect their past. Until then the choice is between two, Opeti Fonua and Dom Barrow.
Fonua (Number 8) could realistically be the next Billy Vunipola, although he must first look to drop below the 24stone barrier. Richard Cockerill has already described him as a match winner and you cannot argue with the prospect of gainline dominance. The issue for Tigers is time, as his fitness may take a whole season to perfect, until then he is a 20minute impact sub.
Barrow (Lock) has been described as the next Martin Johnson, enough said.
Notable mention must go to Brendon O'Conner who is a very highly rated 7 and should ensure Tigers don't miss Salvi too much.
Typical developing Tigers in terms of signings but the marquee is yet to be announced.
Signing Rating 7/10
London Irish
Ben Franks (prop)- The 42 cap All Black is just what Irish needed. He offers an assurance in the scrum which Irish have been badly missing and last season it showed. They will be hoping he can steady the ship and allow them to gain rare front foot ball for other new signings Andy Goode and Sean Maitland to launch offensives. It is an exciting time for Irish and they will be hoping to avoid propping up the table. Realistically they will need to add a few more top class players, until then, at best they will be mid table.
Signing Rating 8/10
Newcastle Falcons
Marcus Watson (-)- A very exciting signing for a team with an quick artificial pitch. If his brother is anything to go by, we should expect big things. He has proven he has pace and an impressive step on the sevens circuit and the Falcons will hope they can get him in open space. If he can find that space on his own and provide solid defence will be the telling factor to his development in the 15 a side format. It is always a gamble taking a cross over player but he is full of promise.
Signing Rating 6/10
Northampton Saints
'Potential' seems to be the word circling the Gardens and their signings are full of promise, the names of interest are Kieran Brookes, JJ Hanrahan, Jamie Gibson and Michael Paterson.
For me Kieran Brookes (prop) is the pick of the bunch, a future red rose surely and he completes what could be a formidable front row choice including Brookes, Hartley and Corbisiero. The Saints now have a pack of the highest quality and with the set piece being essential in English rugby, the Saints are a dangerous prospect yet again. Although they may miss the impact of Manoa, Brookes is an impressive ball carrier and if he remains injury free, could be a star performer.
Signing Rating 8/10
Sale Sharks
Not a thrilling input this year for Sale, but they must have gone with the philosophy of experience is key by bringing in Peter Stringer and Brian Mujati.
Mujati (prop) is well known in the premiership after his impressive spell with the Northampton Saints, and although now older, he is somehow in better shape than ever. He has thrown the stereotype of a prop out of the window as he replaced a few pints for a protein shake and has become a lean, bodybuilding athlete. It is great to have him back and his scrummage isn't too bad either.
Signing Rating 4/10
Saracens
Sarries have understandably left their squad fairly untouched after lifting the trophy last season. Samuel Vunisa will offer yet more power in the pack when Vunipola needs a rest, and Maro Itoje's promotion from the academy tops off a fantastic few years for the young player which included captaining England U21 to World Cup glory, and winning the premiership with Saracens. He has a very bright future indeed.
Signing Rating 5/10 (Understandably not wanting to change the squad too much)
Wasps
Frank Halai (Wing)- Frank joins a number of great signings including Jimmy Gopperth and the legend George Smith. For me though Halai will be the main success story, as at 6ft5 he offers power and pace on the wing and is known for tearing up defences in the super 15. The 1 cap All Black is also sturdy in defence which is expected more in the northern hemisphere leagues. A true crowd pleaser and the definition of a modern winger he is sure to enjoy his time at the Ricoh. Wasps have the financial side sorted and they now need to push on and truly compete for the top four hopefully in front of some large Coventry crowds.
Signing Rating 8/10
Worcester Warriors
Cooper Vuna (Wing)- Although he played for them last season, he has finally committed to the club and will be a major asset to the newly promoted Warriors. The league convert is a proven finisher and has pace and power to burn. It will be fascinating to see how he copes with the higher intensity premiership where room might be harder to find but he is guaranteed to produce tries. Worcester are coming off a huge confidence high after the truly thrilling Championship final, and he will be at the heart of their effort to stay up.
Signing Rating 6/10
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