The best 2016/17 Premiership signings

With the upcoming increase to the Aviva Premiership salary cap, it’s certainly been an exciting year for fans, who have been treated to some stellar signings ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Below we take a look at the top eight signings that have so far been confirmed, and with several deals still in the works, this is a list which could yet be shaken up over the coming months.

Imports such as Ben Te’o, Luke Charteris and Juandre Kruger, as well as internal signings like George McGuigan, Tommy Taylor and Ollie Devoto, all just narrowly missed out, highlighting the wealth of talent which is Premiership-bound.

8. Savenaca Rawaca, Saracens

The Fijian sevens star has it within him to be the number one player on this list but as it is with any player transitioning over from the sevens arena, there is a level of uncertainty. On the fast and firm track of Allianz Park, Rawaca should flourish and help continue Saracens’ evolution into a more expansive side. The club’s success with another sevens star, Mike Ellery, also bodes well for Rawaca.

7. Dave Dennis, Exeter Chiefs

Everything Dennis brings to a rugby pitch screams Exeter Chiefs. His work rate and set-piece ability will suit the Chiefs’ back row down the ground. With Dave Ewers potentially moving into regular England contention next season, having Dennis available to line up next to Julian Salvi and Thomas Waldrom week in week out could be vital for Exeter.

6. JP Pietersen, Leicester Tigers

Being stood opposite Bryan Habana for years has led to some underappreciation of Pietersen, but the Springbok and Sharks winger is a lethal threat himself. With Aaron Mauger gradually giving Leicester the tools and confidence to put the ball through the hands more proficiently, Pietersen is a great threat to have out wide, complementing the likes of Telusa Veainu and Peter Betham.

5. Louis Picamoles, Northampton Saints

Losing Samu Manoa this season has been one of the major reasons behind Northampton’s dip down the table and Picamoles should give them back that power carrier who can break tackles and secure front-foot ball. There is no shortage of graft in the Saints back row with Tom Wood, Calum Clark, Jamie Gibson and Teimana Harrison, potentially allowing Picamoles a bit more freedom, something which could make him a devastating weapon next season.

4. Danny Cipriani, Wasps

Since this man left Wasps in 2010, they have struggled for consistent quality at the fly-half position. The club has had stints of effective 10s, but in Cipriani they should have an instinctive player, capable of orchestrating their impressive back line, for years to come. Cipriani should have a pack and back line capable of helping him reach his very best next season.

3. Taulupe Faletau, Bath

Bath’s recruitment policy may be questionable and there are certainly issues at the club right now, but the signing of Faletau is still a fantastic addition at the Rec. You would assume he takes over the eight jersey, keeping David Denton at six and making extending Amanaki Mafi’s deal a luxury, not a necessity. Leroy Houston is another option, albeit one which has been linked with a return to Australia in recent months.

2. Schalk Burger, Saracens

Like Dennis and Exeter, Burger and Saracens just seem to go hand-in-hand. The Springbok, who has 86 caps to his name, will add experience to a highly-impressive young English core in North London. With the likes of Ernst Joubert and Neil de Kock hanging up their boots this season, Burger will help fill any resulting leadership void, as well as contributing a huge amount on the pitch with his carrying, tackling and breakdown work.

1. Matt Toomua, Leicester Tigers

Mauger’s aforementioned evolution of Leicester will gather real pace with the signing of Toomua, who may be one of, if not the best hybrid fly-half-inside centre currently playing in world rugby. Capable of playing both positions to an extremely high level, he could spearhead a frighteningly good Leicester back line next season, accompanied by the likes Pietersen, Veainu, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs and Owen Williams.