Following the conclusion of round two of the PREM Rugby season, here are our power rankings based on the teams’ results and performances from their respective fixtures.
10. Harlequins
Ooosh. It’s been one step forward and almost four steps back in their opening two games of the new season, with Harlequins rooted to the bottom of the table and without any points to their name either. Their loss against Gloucester, and the manner of it, just puts them under huge pressure already, with the Londoners coming into the new campaign off the back of a really poor 25/26 season. Things can only get better from here, but they need to get better quickly.
9. Newcastle Red Bulls
It feels like things are moving in the right direction for Newcastle Red Bulls, which is very pleasing. This was always going to be a season to just build connections and formulate a blueprint, but they are also looking competitive already. Their bonus point against Northampton came from a real intent to attack, while they also gave Leicester a real scare on Saturday night in a gritty, industrious display. You can feel something is starting to build, and that’s an exciting prospect.
8. Exeter Chiefs
Not at their best just yet, but three points from two games gives them something to build from. The Gloucester defeat in round one was pretty poor, albeit with the caveat of an illness in camp, but they were much improved against Bath. It seemed like they were getting back to where they were at the end of last year, playing with real bite in the tight and an intent to go wide, and that’s the level they should be at moving forward. The defence still needs some fixing up, but their first win of the season doesn’t feel too far away.
7. Sale Sharks
A tough opening fixture against Bristol Bears, but they certainly responded well in round two against Saracens. Sale had a bit of a spotlight on them coming into the year after a major recruitment drive in the off-season and a disappointing 2025/26 season; and while that Bristol loss would have stung them, their victory at the StoneX could be their blueprint moving forward. Was it opening round nerves, unfamiliar combinations or simply a poor display? Who knows, but they fixed it up in round two and looked closer to what we thought they’d be. If Sale can consistently hit those levels of physicality and force in the tight and then look to play when the chance presents itself, they could go far.
6. Saracens
It was always going to be a big adjustment for Saracens in the early stages of the new season, made even clearer this week following Brendan Venter’s role change, but they can probably be happy with where they’re at. Their victory against Leicester Tigers was pretty impressive, it must be stressed, and the manner of that probably outweighs the way in which they lost to a revved-up Sale too. It will be interesting to see how they react to that loss in this upcoming block.
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5. Leicester Tigers
Another side who still have more in them but will also be pleased with their start. The defeat against Saracens will hurt, given it was on home soil, but they actually went well all told and simply came off second-best against a good team. Their win against Newcastle also deserves some flowers for the sheer grit and determination to get over the line, with the Red Bulls putting them under real pressure as they looked to claim a late victory. It’s not perfect from the Tigers, but they again have some foundations to improve from.
4. Northampton Saints
One win and one loss in their opening fixtures of their title defence, but certainly solid. The loss to Bristol was probably just one they have to take on the chin with the Bears besting them on the day, but they were sublime against Newcastle on the opening night of the season, and the Red Bulls’ performance against Leicester puts Northampton’s win into better context too. There is a slight shift in their approach this year, and it is only slight, but they still have the hallmarks that took them to the title last year.
3. Bristol Bears
Could actually be higher in this list, to be honest, with Bristol Bears travelling very well in the opening rounds of the season. You felt they needed a decent start, but picking up two bonus-point wins against Sale Sharks, away as well, and Northampton Saints is some way to make an early statement. Their game still seems to have those flashes of attacking brilliance, but their nuts-and-bolts stuff up front is also now becoming a core pillar within their game and it’s really paying off. A lovely start from the Bears.
2. Bath
Not that this was unexpected, but there’s a lot to like about the way Bath are going about things right now. Their new attack is starting to click into gear but has flashes of what worked well under Lee Blackett in the past, but it’s their defence which should take a lot of the plaudits right now. Johann van Graan’s side are certainly on target right now, but you feel the best is still to come as well.
1. Gloucester
Who would have had Gloucester top of the power rankings, and top of the table, at the start of the season? The Cherry and Whites have simply been reborn this season, looking an entirely different group to the one that finished last season; and it’s pretty much in every area as well. Their defence, led by new defence coach Joel Tomkins, is rock solid; their attack is pacey, quick and genuinely exciting and don’t even get me started on their maul. It’s still early days in the new season, but they are clearly the best team in the league right now.