Following the conclusion of round two of the PREM Rugby season, here are our power rankings based on the teams\u2019 results and performances from their respective fixtures.<\/p>\n
10. Harlequins<\/p>\n
Ooosh. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
9. Newcastle Red Bulls<\/p>\n
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\u2019s an exciting prospect.<\/p>\n
Harlequins boss blasts \u2018unacceptable\u2019 Gloucester defeat as players left \u2018disappointed and embarrassed\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n 8. Exeter Chiefs<\/p>\n 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\u2019s the level they should be at moving forward. The defence still needs some fixing up, but their first win of the season doesn\u2019t feel too far away.<\/p>\n 7. Sale Sharks<\/p>\n 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\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n 6. Saracens<\/p>\n 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\u2019s role change, but they can probably be happy with where they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n 5. Leicester Tigers<\/p>\n 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\u2019s not perfect from the Tigers, but they again have some foundations to improve from.<\/p>\n 4. Northampton Saints<\/p>\n 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\u2019 performance against Leicester puts Northampton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n