5 S TA R S I G N I N G S

Big names donning new colours in the Premiership this season

Chris Ashton

Within weeks of signing for Sale from Toulon, the wing/full-back was back in the England squad. He broke the Top 14 try-scoring record last season and will be looking for similar statistics now he’s part of the Sharks attack as he bids for a place in the World Cup squad.

Lima Sopoaga

The fly-half’s move to Wasps raised eyebrows in New Zealand, where he was firmly in the

All Blacks mix, even if behind first-choice ten Beauden Barrett. Still, the former Highlander has opted to bring his all-court game to the rugby pitches of England. Look out for his varied kicks and pinpoint distribution.

Danny Cipriani

A cult figure in the top flight who has all the skills to razzle-dazzle. Life at his new club Gloucester began horrendously, with criminal charges after a nightclub incident in Jersey. But if he can link as well with Jason Woodward as he did with Willie le Roux at Wasps, he is sure to impress the Shed faithful.

Chris Boyd

Okay, he’s not a player but Boyd is undoubtedly Northampton’s most important signing this season. As Hurricanes head coach, he put together a team that were creative and cut-throat with ball in hand – innovative too. Now he needs to reinvigorate Saints, who have lost their way in recent seasons.

Charles Piutau

The former All Black was quick to find his feet in the English game during his short spell at Wasps, impressed during his two years at Ulster and is now set to add a new dimension to Bristol’s attack as he links up with his old Blues coach Pat Lam and a host of Pacific Islanders.