PREM DoRs give verdict on best summer signing in NBA-style survey

Following the lead of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the 10 Gallagher PREM Directors of Rugby were asked for their opinion in a number of categories ahead of the start of the new season and the results of the anonymous survey give a fascinating insight into the thinking of the men at the sharp end of the league.

Some outstanding recruitment has been done over the summer, with Saracens prising Alfie Barbeary away from Bath and Sale Sharks tempting Nicky Smith up north from Leicester just two examples of money that appears to be very well spent.

However, the general consensus from the DoRs is that Gloucester have pulled off the biggest coup in luring Wales captain and flanker, Jac Morgan, over the Severn Bridge from the Ospreys.

Another Welshman, scrum-half Tomos Williams, was the only other player to attract multiple votes, following his move from Gloucester to Saracens.

Most DoRs voted for Bath playmaker Finn Russell as the league’s best player, the Scotsman narrowly ahead of Leicester leader Ollie Chessum and fellow fly-half Fin Smith of Northmapton.

Smith was, however, the most frequently named candidate when coaches were asked to predict the Gallagher Player of the Season 2026/27, with Saints favourites to lift the trophy and win a third title in four seasons.

Six DoRs expect Newcastle Red Bulls to be the most improved side, with Sale Sharks and Saracens both getting honourable mentions.

The survey also produced clear consensus in a number of other playing categories:

Best scrummager: Joe Heyes (60%)
Best playmaker: Finn Russell (50%)
Best tackler: Sam Underhill (50%)
Fastest player: Louis Rees-Zammit (50%)
Best lineout forward: Ollie Chessum (40%)
Best finisher: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (40%)
Best leader: Maro Itoje (40%)

In terms of the law they would most like to change, stricter enforcement of the offside line and the goal-line drop-out were tied at the top.

The full results of the survey can be found by clicking HERE