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Modeled after the National Basketball Association (NBA), 10 Gallagher PREM Directors of Rugby were asked for their opinions in a range of categories ahead of the start of the new season, and the results of the anonymous survey provide a fascinating insight into the thinking of the men at the sharp end of the league.
Several outstanding recruitments were made during the summer, with Saracens dropping Alfie Barbeary Bath and Sales Sharks tempting Nicky Smith north of Leicester just two examples of money that seems very well spent.
However, the general consensus of the DoRs is that Gloucester made the biggest coup in luring Wales captain and flanker, Jac Morgan, across the Severn Bridge from the Ospreys.
Another Welshman, scrum-half Tomos Williams, was the only player to attract more votes, having joined Saracens from Gloucester.
Most of the DoR voted Bath playmaker Finn Russell as the league’s best player, the Scot narrowly ahead of Leicester leader Ollie Chessum and Northampton counterpart Finn Smith.
Smith, however, was the most-named candidate when coaches were asked to predict a Gallagher player for the 2026/27 season, with Saints favorites to lift the trophy and win a third title in four seasons.
Six DoRs are expected Newcastle Red Bulls be the most advanced side, with Sale Both the Sharks and the Saracens receive honorable mentions.
The survey also produced a clear consensus across a number of other gaming categories:
Best scrummager: Joe Heyes (60%)
Best Playmaker: Finn Russell (50%)
Best Striker: Sam Underhill (50%)
Fastest player: Louis Rees-Zammit (50%)
Best Striker: Ollie Chessum (40%)
Best finisher: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (40%)
Best Leader: Maro Itoje (40%)
In terms of the laws they would most like to change, stricter enforcement of the offside line and goal-line relegation were tied at the top.
You can find the complete survey results by clicking HERE