Bath Rugby, the 2025 champions, are entering the new Premiership Rugby campaign with a point to prove following their semi-final defeat to Exeter last season. The club has kept recruitment to a minimum, though the arrival of Dan du Preez is noted, while the return of Will Stuart from injury softens the blow of losing Thomas du Toit.
Leicester, who were semi-finalists in Geoff Parling's first season, are predicted to finish first this term. The arrival of Aaron Wainwright could prove to be the signing of the summer, with Mako Vunipola also joining the club.
Exeter, last season's surprise finalists, saw Black Knight complete its takeover during the summer, ending a period of financial difficulty. However, this has not translated into a spending splurge, and the team's fortunes may depend on the fitness of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
Elsewhere, Gloucester has undergone a summer overhaul, recruiting two Wales captains, Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, and World Cup winner Jean Kleyn. Bristol, meanwhile, has made little movement in the transfer market, leading to questions about consistency.