Seven Biggest Signings in Premiership Rugby This Summer

Seven Biggest Signings in Premiership Rugby This Summer

The 2025-26 Premiership Rugby season is here, and clubs have made bold moves to reshape their squads. From global stars to corporate giants entering the fray, here are the seven standout signings to watch.

1. Louis Rees-Zammit – Bristol Bears

Louis Rees-Zammit left rugby in 2024 to pursue a career in American football

After his NFL experiment, Wales speedster Louis Rees-Zammit returns to rugby with a bang, joining Bristol Bears. Known for his blistering pace (clocked at over 24mph), the 24-year-old chose Bristol’s attack-driven system — which led the league in tries and carries — as the ideal environment for a comeback.

Despite 20 months out of rugby, Rees-Zammit could be the catalyst to push Bristol toward their first-ever Premiership title.

2. Owen Farrell – Saracens

Owen Farrell’s first 16 years with Saracens were laden with trophies and dominance

He’s back. Owen Farrell returns to Saracens after a year in France with Racing 92. England’s all-time leading scorer and a six-time Premiership champion, Farrell brings world-class leadership and tactical brilliance.

Sarries missed the playoffs last season, but with Farrell reinstated and fully fit, they’ll aim to reclaim their dominance. His return also makes him eligible for England once again.

3. Red Bull – Newcastle Red Bulls

Red Bull’s takeover of Newcastle could be pivotal for a team who have persistently finished bottom

Perhaps the biggest non-player signing in rugby history, Red Bull’s takeover of Newcastle Falcons has rebranded them as the Newcastle Red Bulls.

The energy drink giant brings serious commercial and competitive clout, with plans for top-tier recruitment, branding, and stadium transformation. With Steve Diamond as director of rugby and momentum building, expect more blockbuster signings in the coming windows.

4. Henry Arundell – Bath

Henry Arundell bolsters an already star-studded team at Bath

After a stint in France due to London Irish’s collapse, England sensation Henry Arundell returns to the Premiership with Bath Rugby.

Still only 22, Arundell boasts 7 England tries in 10 caps — including five in one match vs Chile at the 2023 World Cup. His electric finishing and game-breaking ability add firepower to a Bath squad already brimming with talent. A strong season could fast-track his return to the England XV.

5. Len Ikitau – Exeter Chiefs

Len Ikitau has established himself at inside centre for Australia after mostly featuring at 13 for Brumbies

A major coup for Exeter Chiefs, Wallaby centre Len Ikitau joins alongside fellow Aussie Tom Hooper.

Ikitau, who has started all of Australia’s Lions Tests, brings international pedigree and versatile midfield options. With the experienced Henry Slade beside him and stars like Feyi-Waboso out wide, Ikitau could be the creative spark to revive Exeter’s title ambitions.

He arrives in early October following Rugby Championship duties.

6. Christian Wade – Newcastle Red Bulls

Christian Wade is eight tries short of Chris Ashton’s all-time Prem rugby record

Another star added to the Red Bull revolution, Christian Wade returns to the Premiership from rugby league.

The former England winger, now 34, is just 8 tries away from Chris Ashton’s all-time Premiership record of 101 tries. If Wade stays fit and delivers, it won’t just be record books he’s rewriting — Newcastle may rocket up the table too.

7. James O’Connor – Leicester Tigers

James O’Connor played for London Irish and Sale before returning to the Prem with Leicester

Aged 35, James O’Connor brings wisdom, flair, and a remarkable redemption arc to Leicester Tigers.

Once rugby’s enfant terrible, O’Connor has matured into a reliable playmaker. His performances with Crusaders earned him a shock recall to the Wallabies this year, and now he returns to England hoping to fulfil his long-held potential.

Describing it as a “full circle moment,” O’Connor’s goal is to deliver his best rugby yet and help restore Leicester’s title credentials.

Final Word

The 2025-26 Premiership Rugby season promises to be one of the most competitive yet. With stars returning, new dynasties forming, and big brands like Red Bull entering the sport, the league’s landscape is rapidly evolving.

Whether it’s Rees-Zammit flying down the wing or Farrell pulling the strings in midfield — this year’s campaign is set to be explosive.