5 Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
Leadership has come naturally to Ollie Chessum. Appointed Leicester’s captain for the 2025–26 season, the powerful lock also played a key role in the Lions’ 2025 series victory in Australia, starting the decisive second Test.
Known for his physicality and athleticism, Chessum has become an indispensable figure for club and country. His rise from promising prospect to commanding presence underscores his value to every team he represents.
4 Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
Northampton’s dynamic winger Tommy Freeman has been a try-scoring machine. In the 2024–25 season, he produced a remarkable run of performances, including multiple hat-tricks in the Champions Cup and a record-breaking Six Nations campaign where he scored in every round.
His pace, power, and finishing instincts make him lethal in attack, while his defensive reads and support play complete the package. Freeman’s form has elevated him to one of England’s most dependable attacking weapons.
3 George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Y a pas à dire, George Ford est l’Anglais ultime. Météo horrible à Bath, mais il enquille un drop de presque 50 mètres en renvoi d’en-but avec vent tourbillonnant. Que dire ? pic.twitter.com/I9NtV8UMz4
— Gauthier Baudin (@GauthierBaudin) October 3, 2025
George Ford’s control and composure continue to define his game. Having debuted professionally at 16 and represented England across three Rugby World Cups, Ford remains one of the most tactically astute fly-halves in world rugby.
Known for his precise kicking, sharp decision-making, and steady defensive presence, Ford remains a “triple threat”—equally capable of dictating tempo through passing, running, or kicking. Despite never earning Lions selection, few have influenced Premiership rugby as consistently as he has.
2 Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Few players have maintained Maro Itoje’s level of excellence for as long. The Saracens lock and England centurion reached his 100th international cap (93 for England and 7 for Lions) in July 2025, capping off a career already loaded with five Premiership titles, three European crowns, and multiple British & Irish Lions tours.
As captain of the Lions’ victorious 2025 series in Australia, Itoje’s leadership and intelligence stood out as much as his athleticism. Still just 30, his consistency at the top level remains unmatched.
1 Finn Russell (Bath Rugby)
Bath’s maestro Finn Russell continues to redefine what it means to control a game from fly-half. Fresh off winning his second Premiership title in June 2025, Russell was pivotal in Bath’s victory over Leicester, scoring 13 points and assisting a try.
His influence extends well beyond club rugby—he starred for the British & Irish Lions during their 2025 series win over Australia, starting all three Tests and earning Howden’s Player of the Series. Praised by coaches and pundits alike, Russell’s combination of creativity, accuracy, and vision makes him one of the most gifted players in world rugby.
QUIZ: Can you name every Premiership winning captain since 2000?
Think you know your rugby history? This quiz will test your memory and knowledge of the game’s leaders — your task is simple: name every Premiership Rugby–winning captain since 2000.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
From legendary skippers who lifted multiple trophies to surprise champions who made history, see if you can recall them all. Get ready to scrum down and show off your Premiership pedigree!
Like this:
Like Loading…