1
It’s been a crazy old season in the Gallagher Premiership and with every passing day, it’s looking more and more likely that we may have seen the last of the competition for the 2019/20 campaign.
ADVERTISEMENT
With the Covid-19 outbreak putting the brakes on the competition until next month at the very earliest, and it looking unlikely that rugby will resume even then, the preseason friendlies for the 2020/21 season could be the next time we see a ball passed or kicked in anger in the competition.
There are also doomsday scenarios whereby one or two clubs could even end up going into administration due to the financial losses they will face over the period and though, touch wood, that doesn’t come to pass, it could be the last time we see those sides in their current guises.
Given those rather foreboding possibilities, we have looked back at the 13 rounds of rugby that were able to be played and come up with our potential end of season review.
From breakthrough players to biggest disappointments, and top signings to the XV of the season, we have it all covered below.
Continue reading below…
Watch: The Lockdown Episode 1 – Jim Hamilton is joined by Ian McKinley
Breakthrough Player of the Season
1st – Louis Rees-Zammit, Gloucester
ADVERTISEMENT
The 19-year-old has thrived in senior rugby in just his first season out of Hartpury College and those performances for the Cherry and Whites were rewarded with a call-up to the Wales squad for the Guinness Six Nations. He has yet to make his full international debut, but his prolific finishing has him earmarked as a player who can be a difference-maker at the highest level in the future.
2nd – Joel Kpoku, Saracens
With Maro Itoje and George Kruis given an extended offseason following the Rugby World Cup and then again being required by England during the Six Nations, Kpoku has taken those opportunities with both hands and established himself as a player more than capable of cutting it at the Premiership level. He will be a vital component in the club’s rebuild following their salary cap indiscretions and expected relegation.
3rd – Alex Coles, Northampton Saints
A partner in the England U20 engine room with Kpoku last season, Coles has risen to prominence with Northampton this campaign, thanks in part due to Chris Boyd’s willingness to give youth a chance in the East Midlands. Whether deployed in the second row or at blindside flanker, in the now fashionable Pieter-Steph du Toit role, Coles has impressed for Saints and has formed nice tandems with fellow academy products Lewis Ludlam and Alex Moon.
ADVERTISEMENT
Honourable mentions – Jacob Umaga (Wasps), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Manu Vunipola (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Bath), Ioan Lloyd (Bristol Bears), Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish), JJ Tonks (Northampton Saints), Rotimi Segun (Saracens)
No holding back here…https://t.co/rbyeldBI0d
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 20, 2020
Biggest disappointment
1st – Gloucester
The regression that Gloucester have encountered this season has been significant and disheartening for the club’s fervent fan base. Recent history shows that at least one of the two teams finishing 3rd or 4th in the Premiership will fall away the next season, so though whilst not entirely surprising, that is small comfort to those who were so buoyed by their 2018/19 campaign and expected even bigger and better things this season. Only time will tell if this is a one-season blip or a period of more considerable challenges for the club.
2nd – Relegation battle
Often the most compelling aspect of the Premiership season, Saracens’ salary cap infringements and subsequent points deductions have taken away all excitement around that usually competitive contest. Without that punishment, Leicester and Worcester would be in the thick of it, with Gloucester, London Irish, Harlequins and Bath all within a two-game swing of bottom spot.
EXCLUSIVE
Saracens will be relegated ?
There will be no player strike ?– @chrisjonespress with the latesthttps://t.co/CdoYvB26ys
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 21, 2020
3rd – Leicester Tigers
Leicester’s struggles last season were an unaccustomed experience for the club’s fans, who are much more used to life at the top of the table. If there were any hopes that it was a one-season anomaly, they have been dispelled thoroughly over the past six months, as Tigers have once again struggled near the bottom of the competition. They will be forever thankful for Saracens’ indiscretions coming to light.
Signing of the Season
1st – Dan du Preez, Sale Sharks
If you had to nail down one catalyst for Sale’s rise up the table to second spot, it would have to be du Preez, who has not only done extremely well to be the standout player in the north-west, but also the standout player in his family, with his two brothers having also impressed. His ball-carrying has been welcomed among the grafters, contact area specialists and defensive juggernauts in the Sharks’ back row.
And Tom Curry at No.8! #Lions2021 https://t.co/nxcyI9fmyx
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 20, 2020
2nd – Jacques Vermeulen, Exeter Chiefs
Vermeulen’s signing came in somewhat under the radar last year, although that’s the last thing you could say of his performances since he arrived in the south-west. He has fit like a glove in Exeter’s physical and abrasive back row, and his graft and work in defence and attack at and close to the contact area, has helped the Chiefs excel.
3rd – Nathan Hughes, Bristol Bears
After bursting on to the scene with Wasps and England, Hughes’ stock had arguably began to drop a little in his final season at the Ricoh Arena, to the point one or two may have raised an eyebrow at the amount of money Pat Lam invested in the No 8. Hughes and Lam have been completely and comprehensively vindicated, though, as the former Auckland back row has shone in Bristol’s high-octane attacking game plan and is currently looking like money very well spent.
Honourable Mentions – Will Stuart (Bath), Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs), Joe Simpson (Gloucester), Jordan Taufua (Leicester Tigers), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Robert du Preez (Sale Sharks), Zach Kibirige (Newcastle Falcons)
Biggest surprise
1st – London Irish
Having spent big on their return to the Premiership, there was always going to be plenty of intrigue around Irish this season, though few expected those high-profile players to settle in and form a cohesive team as quickly as they have. Irish’s fast start to the season and significant scalps taken has put them in a solid position, even though relegation was taken off the table for other reasons.
2nd – Bristol Bears (and their defence)
Everyone was impressed with Bristol last season and how well they coped in their first season back in the Premiership. They have consolidated that this campaign and added a resoluteness and defensive toughness that arguably wasn’t there the previous season. Their games might not be quite as end-to-end and helter skelter as neutrals would want, but they are in a better place now to make a legitimate title bid next season.
3rd – Sale Sharks
Sale’s recruitment prior to this season was exciting and it was eye-catching, although there was no guarantee the players would swiftly bed in and they’d be able to launch a challenge on the Premiership title. Those fears were unfounded, though, as the players have settled quickly and Sale currently sit second in the table. With that strong South African core in place, Sale have taken the first step in following Saracens’ model of success.
How the coronavirus has hit Premiership players where it hurts… in the pockethttps://t.co/V1YBAgTolW
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 21, 2020
Coach of the Season
1st – Lee Blackett, Wasps
Wasps had been battling it out with Leicester and Worcester at the bottom of the table, only for Blackett’s mid-season promotion to see them power away from the sides in the lower echelons and put themselves in a Heineken Champions Cup qualifying spot. The club’s three-straight wins prior to the season suspension included a 60-10 mauling of Saracens and impressive bonus point wins over London Irish and Gloucester.
2nd – Steve Diamond, Sale Sharks
Not everyone’s cup of tea, admittedly, but Diamond deserves credit for the way he has moulded the Sale squad this season and put them on track for a home semi-final in the Premiership playoffs. He’s only beaten here by Blackett due to the fact he is operating with a much more talent-rich squad than his Wasps counterpart.
3rd – Mark McCall, Saracens
Unfortunately for McCall, there will now always be an asterisk next to his achievements at Saracens, though that should not take away from the fine effort he’s put in this season. With a squad that is now cap compliant and still picked over by England for players, Saracens have put together enough wins and points to see them sit second in the competition were it not for their points deduction, and plenty of exciting youngsters have been blooded and given opportunities.
Prem boss has his say at the end of an extraordinary week https://t.co/QDeqlj0K7S
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 20, 2020
XV of the Season
- Charles Piutau, Bristol Bears
- Zach Kibirige, Wasps
- Ollie Lawrence, Worcester Warriors
- Nick Tompkins, Saracens
- Taqele Naiyaravoro, Northampton Saints
- Marcus Smith, Harlequins
- Cobus Reinach, Northampton Saints
- Ellis Genge, Leicester Tigers
- Luke Cowan-Dickie, Exeter Chiefs
- Vincent Koch, Saracens
- Franco Mostert, Gloucester
- Nick Isiekwe, Saracens
- Jacques Vermeulen, Exeter Chiefs
- Ben Earl, Saracens
- Dan du Preez, Sale Sharks
Young Guns XV of the Season
- George Furbank, Northampton Saints
- Louis Rees-Zammit, Gloucester
- Fraser Dingwall, Northampton Saints
- Jacob Umaga, Wasps
- Ollie Hassell-Collins, London Irish
- Manu Vunipola, Saracens
- Jack Maunder, Exeter Chiefs
- Rhys Carre, Saracens
- Will Capon, Bristol Bears
- Joe Heyes, Leicester Tigers
- Joel Kpoku, Saracens
- Alex Coles, Northampton Saints
- JJ Tonks, Northampton Saints
- Ben Earl, Saracens
- Ted Hill, Worcester Warriors
Watch: Lockdown workouts with Freddie Burns
Comments on RugbyPass
I wonder what impact Samson has had on their attack, as the team seems less prone to trundle it up the middle, take the tackle and then trundle it up again. I lost faith in the coach last year as the Rebelss looked like a 2nd/3rd rate South African team. I also disliked Gordon standing back, often ignored as the forward battle went on and on. Maybe its our Aussie way of not getting off our A***’s until the enemy is at the gate.
83 Go to commentsThanks for the write up. Great to see the Rebs winning, I am a little interested in how they will go against the remaining kiwi teams, I think they’ve only played Hurricanes and Highlanders but how great to see these players performing!! I also see Parling has a job beyond June 30! A good move by RA? Also how do you fix the Rebels previously scratchy defence?
83 Go to commentsbe smart - go black
13 Go to commentsNext week the Crusaders hopefully have Scott Barrett back. Will be great to have the captain back. Hopefully he will be the All Black captain as well.
12 Go to commentsExciting place to be for the young fella. I expected he was French Polynesian when I saw him included in the France 6N squad (after seeing him in NZs), and therefor be strong grounds we might loose him to rugby down here. Good, in that he is good enough to warrant such a profile, and from a journalism’s fan interaction aspect, to finally get a back ground story on the fella. Hope he has settled into NZ OK and that at least one rugby country will fit with him to help his development, which, if so, he should surely continue for a few years, and then that he can experience France to it’s fullest with a bit more maturity and less reliance on family than you would have at his current age. A good 3 or 4 years before he would be ready for International duty if he wanted to wait. Of course he already sounds good enough to accept a call up, and to cap himself, in the more immediate future (he’d have to be very very good in the case of the ABs), and he’ll get a great taste of that being with the Canes who have a bunch who are just a few years further into their career and looking likely Internationals themselves.
13 Go to commentsI remember towards the end of the original broadcasting deal for Super rugby with Newscorp that there was talk about the competition expanding to improve negotiations for more money - more content, more cash. Professional rugby was still in its infancy then and I held an opposing view that if Super rugby was a truly valuable competition then it should attract more broadcasters to bid for the rights, thereby increasing the value without needing to add more teams and games. Unfortunately since the game turned professional, the tension between club, talent and country has only grown further. I would argue we’re already at a point in time where the present is the future. The only international competitions that matter are 6N, RC and RWC. The inter-hemisphere tours are only developmental for those competitions. The games that increasingly matter more to fans, sponsors and broadcasters are between the clubs. Particularly for European fans, there are multiple competitions to follow your teams fortunes every week. SA is not Europe but competes in a single continental competition, so the travel component will always be an impediment. It was worse in the bloated days of Super rugby when teams traversed between four continents - Africa, America, Asia and Australia. The percentage of players who represent their country is less than 5% of the professional player base, so the sense of sacrifice isn’t as strong a motivation for the rest who are more focused on playing professional rugby and earning as much from their body as they can. Rugby like cricket created the conundrum it’s constantly fighting a losing battle with.
4 Go to commentsOh wow… “But as La Rochelle proved in winning in Cape Town this season, a cross-continental away assignment need not spell the end of days.” La Rochelle actually proved quite the opposite. After traveling to Cape town and back they (back-to-back and current champs) got mercilessly thumped the next week. If travel is not the reason, why else would a full-strength powerhouse like La Rochelle get dumped on their @r$e$ one week later?
26 Go to commentsYou know he can land a winning conversion after the full time siren is up. (Even if it takes two attempts.)
5 Go to commentsA very insightful article from Jake. I would love to know how South African’s feel about their move to Europe. Do you prefer playing in Europe or want to go back to Super Rugby?
4 Go to commentspure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
4 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
13 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
26 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to comments