Gloucester – Tomos Williams – £550k
The Cherry and Whites have rediscovered their swagger in recent seasons, and Tomos Williams has been at the centre of it all. The Welsh scrum-half joined Gloucester ahead of the 2024–25 campaign and immediately made his mark, claiming the Premiership Rugby Player of the Season award after a sensational debut year.
His sharpness and tempo epitomise the club’s attacking style, and his appointment as captain for the new season underlines just how pivotal he has become to the Kingsholm faithful.
Harlequins – Marcus Smith – £525k
Few players in English rugby captivate audiences quite like Marcus Smith. Quins’ talisman is the embodiment of their attacking DNA — quick, instinctive, and fearless. His return from international duty this season saw him immediately steal the show with a match-winning try and man-of-the-match performance against Saracens.
A Lions tourist and one of the most technically gifted playmakers in the country, Smith doesn’t just play for Quins — he is Quins. When he’s on the team sheet, The Stoop buzzes that little bit louder.
Northampton Saints – Fin Smith – £600k
Fresh off signing a bumper new deal, Smith has likely become Northampton’s first marquee player since Courtney Lawes.
With Newcastle Red Bulls, Bristol Bears, and R360 all circling, Saints had to pull out every stop to keep their playmaker at Franklin’s Gardens — and it’s clear they’ve backed their man to lead the club for years to come.
Exeter Chiefs – Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – £500k
At Sandy Park, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso represents the next generation of marquee stars. The explosive winger’s mix of pace, power, and agility makes him one of the Premiership’s most exciting young talents.
After battling back from a shoulder injury, he announced his return in style — scoring twice in a stunning comeback draw against Northampton and following up with a hat-trick against Newcastle. Dynamic and determined, Feyi-Waboso’s performances have quickly restored him as the jewel in the Chiefs’ crown.
Newcastle Red Bulls – Nobody
Newcastle are still searching for a world-class fly-half and, for now, probably don’t have an official marquee player. The closest fit is Welsh superstar Liam Williams, who’s signed on a one-year deal to spearhead the Red Bulls’ new era.
Backed by fresh investment, his arrival gives fans a proven international to rally behind. The experienced fullback’s versatility and leadership make him vital during this transition period — and until fresh faces like Christian Wade arrive, Williams stands tall as the marquee name in the North East.
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