The 2024-25 Premiership rugby season has been a showcase of exceptional talent, with Gloucester’s slick backs and Bath’s formidable forwards making a dominant impression. Here is a rundown of the standout players who have shaped this thrilling campaign.
Full Back
Santiago Carreras of Gloucester has been a revelation. Despite stiff competition from Sale’s Joe Carpenter, Northampton’s George Furbank, and Bristol’s Rich Lane, Carreras has stood out for his creativity and attacking flair. His ability to both start and finish moves was highlighted in a memorable try against Sale at Kingsholm. With a move to Bath lined up, the prospect of him partnering with Finn Russell excites fans and pundits alike.
Right Wing
Tommy Freeman from Northampton has enjoyed a breakthrough season. While there are faster players such as Saracens’ Tobias Elliott and Leicester’s Adam Radwan, Freeman’s all-round skills, including aerial prowess and deceptive strength, have propelled him to score fifteen tries in his last twelve games for club and country. This impressive form provides a strong platform for the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour.
Outside Centre
Kalaveti Ravouvou of Bristol is an electric presence in the midfield. Despite missing the start of the season, he scored eleven tries in thirteen Premiership matches and consistently created something special with the ball, exemplified by a stunning back-handed offload to set up a try against Leicester. His versatility and attacking instinct set him apart, edging out competition like Bath’s Ollie Lawrence.
Inside Centre
Seb Atkinson, still just 23, has emerged as a strong candidate for England’s pivotal 12 jersey. His combination of strength, agility, and skill saw him start every league game for Gloucester, crossing the try line seven times. With other young talents like Sale’s Rekeiti Ma’asi-White and Bath’s Max Ojomoh also in contention, the national selectors have an exciting dilemma.
Left Wing
Gabriel Ibitoye of Bristol finished the season as the Premiership’s joint top scorer. His elusiveness and ability to spot gaps make him a constant threat, though he could tighten his defensive game. Ibitoye’s form will be crucial as Bristol face Bath in the semi-finals, with players like Ollie Hassell-Collins and Cadan Murley narrowly missing out on selection.
Fly-Half
George Ford has been a guiding light for Sale Sharks, consistently influencing games despite missing the Lions squad. Sale’s impressive run with Ford at fly-half has been notable, with the team winning eleven of the twelve league games he started. His experience and kicking game will be crucial in the playoff stages.
Scrum-Half
Tomos Williams of Gloucester has been the dynamo of his side’s rapid-fire attack. While Ben Spencer and Alex Mitchell have had strong seasons, Williams’ creativity and sharp passing, including a memorable no-look pass setting up Atkinson against Bristol, have made him indispensable.
Loosehead Prop
Francois van Wyk of Bath has been the perfect impact player. Often coming off the bench, his introduction frequently sparks a noticeable uplift in Bath’s pack, tightening the screw on opposition forwards and providing vital energy in the second half.
Hooker
Luke Cowan-Dickie of Sale has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence after a serious neck injury. His strong performances have been key to Sale’s late-season surge and position him as a likely contender for international honors on the Lions tour.
Tighthead Prop
Thomas du Toit has been the cornerstone of Bath’s dominant season. An immovable force in the scrum, Bath have not lost a league match with him starting since the season’s opener. Du Toit’s influence extends beyond scrummaging, inspiring teammates like Will Stuart to elevate their game.
Locks
Maro Itoje of Saracens continues to impress with his durability and leadership, captaining the British & Irish Lions and consistently featuring for club and country. Alongside him is Ollie Chessum of Leicester, a key figure in his team’s strong campaign. Chessum’s physicality and resilience make him a promising prospect for England’s future.
Back Row
Ted Hill of Bath has enjoyed an outstanding season, combining lineout prowess, powerful tackling, and surprising speed. Despite being overlooked by England selectors, his performances have been among the best in the league. At openside flanker, Henry Pollock of Northampton has burst onto the scene with impressive turnover skills and versatility, earning him a spot in the Lions squad at just 20 years old. At No. 8, Tom Willis of Saracens has demonstrated remarkable stamina and try-scoring ability, contributing seven tries across club and international duty.
This team reflects a balance of youth and experience, flair and grit, showcasing the very best of Premiership rugby from the past season. With key players moving clubs and others on the rise internationally, the coming seasons promise to be equally compelling.
