Top 20 Gallagher PREM signings of the season: Part 1

In the first of a two part series, we start the count down to the 20 best signings made by Gallagher PREM clubs ahead of the 2026-2027 campaign.

20 – Lefty Zigiriadis (Ealing Trailfinders – Northampton Saints)
The South African-born loosehead ticks a lot of the boxes of a prop in the modern day: hungry, huge work rate, young and determined. One of his strong points is that he is a very good scrummager and has already caused Prem clubs problems when he has come up against them in the Prem Cup and friendlies.

19 – Ethan Staddon (Bath – Bristol Bears)
Unfortunate that he was at Bath, where they are stacked with international flankers and have the likes of Connor Treacey bidding to make the breakthrough as well. Definitely a player who deserved more game time than Bath were able to offer. A player with a decent work ratewho , always looked a jackal threat.

18 – Werner Kok (Ulster – Newcastle Red Bulls)
Ulster fans are still baffled as to why the club didn’t offer the Olympic bronze medalist a new deal after scoring 12 tries in 19 appearances last season. He was widely regarded as one of the most exciting players in the United Rugby Championship and was known as a workhorse.

17 – Sampie Swiegers (Pumas – Harlequins)
This could turn out to be one of the most inspired transfers this summer. Only two years ago, Swiegers impressed Rassie Erasmus enough to be invited to a Springbok alignment camp despite lacking United Rugby Championship experience. A tighthead who will benefit from having legendary Lions and Wales star Adam Jones as his scrum coach.

16 – Mako Vunipola (Vannes – Leicester Tigers)
At the peak of his powers, Vunipola was a world-class threat for Saracens and England and arrives at Welford Road as a short-term replacement for Nicky Smith. Helping Vannes back into the Top 14 at the first attempt proves that there is still life in the old warhorse, who will be a mentor for younger players, especially props.

15 – Jean Kleyn (Munster to Gloucester)
A rare case of an Irish rugby international with a World Cup winner’s medal to his name, who will bring a physically imposing presence to the set-piece in particular. A hard-working forward who has done more than his share of donkey work for Munster over the years. Keep him fit, and this is a very serious signing for Gloucester.

14 – Joe Marchant (Stade Français – Sale Sharks)
Back to bolster Steve Borthwick’s resources at outside centre and to put himself in the shop window for the World Cup in 2027, as long as he hasn’t lost his ability to blitz defend. Has all the attributes to sprinkle some stardust on the Sharks’ attack after his baffling move to Stade Français.

13 – Dan Robson (Pau – Gloucester)
Spent far too long on the fringes of England selection without getting a chance when he was consistently playing well for Wasps. He might be 34, but this is a very smart piece of business by Gloucester who’ll be confident that Robson will help them bring out a bit more in the likes of Caolan Englefield and Mike Austin.

12 – Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks – Newcastle Red Bulls)
Is there or thereabouts in Steve Borthwick’s plans, but the Red Bulls will need to keep him fit to see the best of a player who has suffered with injuries over the last couple of seasons. Scrum-half is a really strong position for Newcastle, with Quirke and Puma Simón Benitez-Cruz on the books, and Joe Davis coming through.

11 – Dallas McLeod (Crusaders – Exeter Chiefs)
A player who can offer Rob Baxter an option in either centre position or on the wings. The history of the Prem is littered with players not quite good enough for the All Blacks but turn out to be top-notch signings. A hard worker with good distribution and pace for his size (6’3).

Next up, Neil Fissler will reveal his top 10.