Premiership Team of the Season: 2025-26
The final round of the regular Premiership season is approaching, with playoffs still to come. Here is the Guardian's 2025-26 team of the season, with players needing at least nine league appearances to qualify.
15. George Furbank (Northampton)
A versatile footballer who unlocks opportunities for teammates. Despite an injury-hit start, he regained form as a key figure in Saints' backline and is poised to reclaim the England No. 15 jersey. His move to Harlequins this summer will be notable, but his departure from Northampton leaves a gap.
14. Noah Caluori (Saracens)
The 19-year-old possesses exceptional aerial ability, soaring above rivals. In three matches against Sale (twice) and Newcastle, he scored 14 tries, totaling 18 in 12 Premiership games—top of the scoring charts. Still learning, his potential is immense.
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton)
Freeman shifts to outside centre here, following a brilliant performance at 13 in Northampton's win over Bath. He boasts 16 tries in 13 league matches, an impressive return after a long Lions season that left him mentally drained.
12. Rory Hutchinson (Northampton)
Among contenders like Len Ikitau and Max Ojomoh, Hutchinson narrowly edges clubmate Fraser Dingwall. When Saints' backs are in full flow, Hutchinson's smart angles and pace are pivotal.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter)
Returning from injury, he has shown his danger in space. He started with five tries in two rounds and has sharpened as Exeter regained form. His ability to beat defenders and break tackles outshines Adam Radwan and George Hendy.
10. Billy Searle (Leicester)
Despite recent injury, Searle has been a revelation at fly-half. After an itinerant career, his move to Leicester has been a success, boosting his confidence and skills, earning England attention.
9. Ben Spencer (Bath)
Pushed by Northampton's Archie McParland, Spencer's all-round contribution to Bath remains massive. He is the league's best kicking scrum-half, expertly controlling tempo. After 27 matches this season, fatigue may be setting in, but he remains crucial.
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester)
Smith has started every regular season game for Leicester, defying rotation trends. The Welsh loosehead has earned a long-term deal with Sale Sharks. Northampton's Manny Iyogun also deserves recognition.
2. Gabriel Oghre (Bristol)
In March's match against Leicester, Oghre threw a lineout, collected a return pass, and kicked a 45-metre touchfinder—impressing even Schalk Brits. He is the most multi-dimensional hooker this season, with accurate darts.
3. Thomas du Toit (Bath)
Possibly the first name on the team sheet. His contributions have been key to Bath's pack success under Johann van Graan. The South African is heading home after this season, leaving a big void. He has been even more valuable with Will Stuart injured.
4. Andrea Zambonin (Exeter)
Few expected the Italian to be overseas signing of the season, but Rob Baxter knows a classy lineout forward. Zambonin, 25, has slotted in perfectly at Sandy Park. His match-clinching try at Leicester highlighted his impact.
5. Alex Coles (Northampton)
England colleague Ollie Chessum might have been chosen, but Coles boasts a notable stat: Northampton have not lost a league game he has played this season. His hands, athleticism, work-rate, and stamina make him an England regular.
6. Ethan Roots (Exeter)
A tough selection, with Bath's Josh Bayliss, Leicester's Hanro Liebenberg and Joaquin Moro, Northampton's Josh Kemeny, and Exeter's Tom Hooper all contenders. When Exeter are at their best, Roots is at the heart of it.
7. Henry Pollock (Northampton)
Love him or hate him, the black head-banded flanker is impossible to ignore. Six tries in 12 appearances may not seem huge, but his performance against Bristol—18 carries, 16 tackles, a try, two turnovers, two linebreaks—suggests more to come.
8. Tom Willis (Saracens)
A gainline-threatening No. 8 that English rugby needs, making his move to France this summer regrettable. Willis tops multiple statistical categories this season—carries, defenders beaten, offloads. He will be missed by club and country, but Bordeaux will welcome him.
