5 Gloucester

There is noticeably more red on Gloucester’s shirt this season compared to last year, and it works well because the additional colour helps the design stand out.

It also has a more modern feel, while the decision to do something slightly different deserves credit.

Overall, it is a very nice shirt with little to complain about. The subtle faded details are another nice touch and add something extra to the design.

4 Newcastle Red Bulls

This one could divide opinion among fans.

While Harlequins have been criticised for the prominence of their branding, Newcastle Red Bulls’ new partnership with Red Bull means the huge logo across the front feels more understandable in this case.

The design has a distinctly Red Bull feel, albeit with the traditional colours adapted to blue, and it is clear that Newcastle are embracing their new identity.

It may not appeal to everyone, particularly some old-school Newcastle supporters, but as a kit designed to represent the beginning of a new era, it works well.

3 Bath

After a disappointing attempt to go more modern last season, Bath have returned to a much more traditional look, and it works extremely well.

The combination of blue, black and white comes together nicely, giving the shirt a classic feel while still looking modern.

The Dyson branding is also not overly intrusive, which helps the overall design.

A very smart shirt from Bath.

2 Saracens

The iconic black and gold design pays tribute to Saracens’ rich history while also looking towards the next chapter, combining the club’s traditional colours with a more modern design for their 150th anniversary season.

Black and gold is a combination that almost always works, and it certainly does here.

The only real criticism is that the sponsor does not perfectly complement the rest of the shirt, taking away slightly from what is otherwise a very clean design.

Overall, a really strong shirt that looks far cleaner than Saracens’ usual black and red combinations.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

We’ve ranked all 10 new home kits from worst to best — with Northampton Saints taking top spot. 

1 Northampton Saints

And for the best kit, Northampton Saints take the top spot.

There is very little to dislike about this design, with almost everything about it working brilliantly. DPD’s branding features prominently on the front, but fits well alongside Northampton’s traditional colours and the overall design.

The shirt manages to strike a strong balance between the club’s rich heritage and a more modern look.

The sponsor works well, there is a clear nod to tradition, and the subtle textures add a contemporary touch without taking away from the classic feel.

The reigning champions are also the clear winners when it comes to the kits for the upcoming season.

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