The Premiership has rolled out the stars for the 2018-19 season with a glittering array of talent trucked in from all over the globe.
From All Blacks to Red Dragons, vintage Wallabies to hardened Springboks the twelve clubs have reached deep in their pockets to give themselves the best chance of glory come the pointy end.
As the season kicks off here’s our top ten signings.
CHARLES PIUTAU (Ulster to Bristol)
The former All Black is now the highest paid player on the planet raking in £1million a season from big spending new boys Bristol. The marquee signing has hit a snag though early on with a shoulder injury ruling him out of the opening night clash with neighbours Bath.
CHRIS ASHTON (Toulon to Sale)
The former England flyer broke the Top 14 try-scoring record in just one season with Toulon and Sale will be hoping he does the same in Manchester. Ashton’s return to England is due to a desire to once more pull on the national jersey but he may find try-scoring opportunities more limited than in France.
LIMA SOPOAGA (Highlanders to Wasps)
One of the top fly-halfs in the world, Wasps have pulled off a major coup with the signature of the 27-year-old All Black. Both with the ball in hand and off the boot the former Highlander is one of the best playmakers on the planet. Wasps fans enjoy.
TAQELE NAIYAROVORO (Waratahs to Northampton)
The flying Fijian was unstoppable for NSW in Super Rugby this season, scoring 15 tries and carrying for a whopping 1,478 metres. The Saints have picked him up in the form off his life and if they can keep him fit he will cause carnage.
JAMIE ROBERTS (Harlequins to Bath)
The Wales veteran desperately wants to make it to the 2019 Rugby World Cup so has moved west to Bath to hopefully give his career a late bloom. The years of direct running may have taken their toll on the good doctor whose best years maybe behind him.
234 - gloucesterrugby's Franco Mostert made the most tackles in Super Rugby this year (234) and also won the most lineouts (87). Monster. pic.twitter.com/xaxvGpCdQA
— RugbyRuck (@rugby_ruck) August 30, 2018
FRANCO MOSTERT (Lions to Gloucester)
One of a trio of Lions that Johan Ackermann has brought to Kingsholm from his former South African club. 27-Test Springbok Mostert is superb in the lineout, mobile in the loose and rugged at the breakdown. Expect him to make a big impact.
DAN BIGGAR (Ospreys to Northampton)
After scoring over 2000 points in Swansea over 11 seasons, and playing 62 Tests for Wales, the 28-year-old has made the move to England in search of a new challenge. On his day he is one the world’s top playmakers and could be the missing link to Saints success.
JAMES HASKELL (Wasps to Northampton)
At 33 years of age the England flanker may be beyond his best but his experience and competitiveness more than make up for a wearying physique. He played over 100 games for Wasps and will want to put in a huge season to make sure he is selected for RWC 2019. Saints will benefit.
🎥Watch as the team prepare for @WorcsWarriors on Saturday, we get to know new arrival @brad_shields, including what made him sign for the club, who he's been spending his time with and loads more!
— Wasps Rugby (@WaspsRugby) August 29, 2018
Get your tickets now from https://t.co/u0fvkrVdhn pic.twitter.com/ULuS2rW5CM
BRAD SHIELDS (Hurricanes to Wasps)
Shields is regarded by many as one of the unluckiest New Zealand players in history never to represent the All Blacks. The 27-year-old flanker played exactly 100 games for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and will be hungry to perform for his new club and country.
DANNY CIPRIANI (Wasps to Gloucester)
Some might be surprised to see Cipriani included, especially after his recent night out in Jersey, but the fly-half is both talented and determined and with a pack of hardened Springboks giving him ball on the front foot he could wreak some havoc.
