After 18 fantastic rounds, the regular Gallagher Premiership season is over, and now just four teams remain in the hunt for glory!
Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks and Saracens have all secured their play-off spots, however this season will go down as one of the most competitive in Premiership history.
There have also been some stellar performances from players. From young players breaking into the first team, to experienced players adding a new dynamic to their game, the Premiership has seen plenty of top quality players this season.
But which ones stood out above the rest? With that in mind here is our Gallagher Premiership Team of the Season!
Gallagher Premiership Team of the Season
15: Tyrone Green
Maverick fullback Tyrone Green was sensational for Quins all season. The South African flyer has been so influential to Quins’ free-flowing attack, to a point where it probably wouldn’t work without him. George Furbank was also great for Northampton Saints.
14: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Probably the breakout star in world rugby this year, Exeter Chiefs winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has had a fantastic season. He is such a threat in attack, and has generated momentum for his side all year. Tommy Freeman pushed him close for this spot though.
13: Henry Slade
After losing his spot in the England squad before the World Cup, Henry Slade became a hungrier, more determined version of himself; which has driven him to find career-best form. His leadership has also come to the fore. His England partner Ollie Lawrence deserves a mention too.
12: Benhard Janse van Rensburg
The Bristol Bears centre moves across to 12 for our team. Benhard Janse van Rensburg was influential to Bristol’s resurgence this season, with the ability to be a strike runner and a ball-player, and he has quickly become one of their main attacking threats in a pretty loaded attack as it is. Fraser Dingwall can feel hard done by though to miss out.
11: Ollie SleightholmeÂ
The Premiership’s top try scorer couldn’t not be in our XV. Northampton winger Ollie Sleightholme has been simply brilliant all season. In a similar way to Feyi-Waboso, he is such a powerful, direct runner which makes him a threat anywhere on the pitch. Bristol winger Gabriel Ibitoye also had a great year.
10: Finn RussellÂ
Tough tough choice, but Finn Russell JUST edges out Fin Smith. Finn Russell has been exactly what Bath needed to make them title contenders. His typical attacking flair has helped bring the best out of his teammates, but his calmness and composure has helped them win big games. Feels harsh leaving Fin Smith out though.
9: Alex Mitchell
Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell has really stepped his game up this season to become the best in the league. He has given his team consistent quick-ball, and married that with his usual sniping skills. Harry Randall and Ben Spencer did push him close though.
1: Fin BaxterÂ
The young Harlequin has come of age this season to become one of the best looseheads in the league. He has stepped up in defence, and has also really improved in the set-piece too. A really strong season from the 22-year-old. Beno Obano also deserves some recognition.
2: Curtis Langdon
The Northampton hooker has probably been the signing of the season. He is such a mobile, dynamic ball-carrier, and is such a good weapon to have in the tight. He has also improved in the set-piece too, and given his side a consistent platform to play from. Theo Dan has also been very good for Saracens.
3: Thomas du Toit
Bath’s scrum has been a big reason for their success this year, and new recruit Thomas du Toit has been at the heart of it. He has added so much strength, power and solidity to their scrum, which has been missing for a while. He has also chipped in with tries too, grabbing 7 in the Premiership alone.
4: Rusi Tuima
Exeter Chiefs lock Rusi Tuima is another one who has come of age this season. Moving into the second-row has really brought the best out of him too, and he has quickly become a mainstay in the Chiefs side. Alex Moon deserves a nod too.
5: Alex Coles
A proper workhorse, who is so important to his team’s success. Coles is so consistently good across the board, and his work in the lineout in particular is outstanding. Charlie Ewels pushed him close though.
6: Courtney Lawes
A monumental final season in the Premiership for the Northampton icon. Lawes has, typically, been at the heart of everything good for his side this season, but he seems to have gained a new-found hunger too as he looks to end his time at the Saints on a high. Juan Martin Gonzalez pushed him close.
7: Will Evans
‘Swing the bat’ attacking philosophy might be Harlequins’ preferred style, but you can’t do that without a defensive player like Evans giving them a platform. Evans led the way for both tackles and turnovers in the league, but he is also incredibly consistent too. Sam Dugdale also deserves a mention.
8: Alfie BarbearyÂ
The Bath number eight has been sensational for his team this season. He is such a powerful ball-carrier, and his side’s main weapon in the tight, but his work at the breakdown is so crucial to his side’s defence as well. Zach Mercer has been good too.
