My thoughts on some new signings for the 2020/2021 Premiership Part 2
Hello readers. How are you all? I hope you’re all enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been treated to this week! I don’t know about you but exercising in the sun really lifts my mood. I also managed to sit outside on a couple of occasions to tune in and listen to the last in the series of my two favourite podcasts; Rugby Union Weekly and House of Rugby. I’m gutted both podcasts are taking a summer break as they’ve helped lift my spirits every week when I’ve found self-isolating hard. However, I understand why and am hugely excited for when they do return because by then, hopefully, the rugby season will be back up and running.
The twelve Premiership clubs are still on stage one of training but clubs are hoping to begin stage two in the next couple of weeks. How as a fan do you feel about the possibility of games being played behind closed doors? Or the possibility to travel to a home or away ground to see your beloved team play again if socially distancing is relaxed? Would you feel comfortable? CEO of the Rugby Football Union, Bill Sweeney spoke on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast earlier this week about the difference in which the meter ruling could have on crowds returning and the how it could affect the internationals financially if they do go ahead later this year: “If two meters distance must be observed the maximum crowd would be only 9,500 supporters. However, the one-meter ruling that could be put in place would boost the capacity to around 40,000 fans”.
In this week’s blog, I will be discussing my thoughts on some more players who I am looking forward to seeing play in the Premiership next season.
Ben Spencer – Bath (3 year contract)
Earlier this month, it was announced that Ben Spencer was leaving Saracens to join Bath rugby on a three year deal. Ben is known for his threat with ball in hand and his offloading and kicking game is class. Ben was at Saracens for nine years and he’s still only 27. He made over 150 appearances and experienced huge success both domestically and in Europe. He’s got fantastic pace and agility which is always a constant challenge for opposing defences to have to deal with. I’m looking forward to seeing him make his debut next season, Bath need someone of his calibre to get them competing for titles again. In recent seasons, Bath have been slow to compete at the breakdown but I’m looking forward to seeing Ben give them some good front ball and hope he can orchestrate the team to success.
Jonny Gray – Exeter Chiefs (2 year contract)
It was announced earlier in January of this year, that Glasgow Warrior and Scotland international player, Jonny Gray had signed a deal at Exeter Chiefs for the 2020/21 season. The 25 year old will be a great addition to the 2017 Premiership winners. The lock forward will arrive at Sandy Park with an already impressive rugby CV. Having been at Scotstoun since 2012, he has amassed over 100 appearances for the Scottish club, as well as collecting 55 Test caps along the way. For somebody of his stature, he’s got exceptional speed and he’s incredibly physical at the breakdown. He’s over the opposition like a rash and he doesn’t seem to run out of steam! Glasgow’s loss is Exeter’s gain. His tackle count in the games he plays in is phenomenal, he doesn’t miss many and Baxter must be overjoyed to have finally snapped him up after having his eyes on him for the past three or four years. He works very hard in all the areas of his game and poses a huge threat. The second row has proven to be one of the most contended positions in the four Lions countries, meaning the Scotland international will need to up his game to secure his place on the plane to South Africa. However, there is no better place to do that than with one of the strongest teams in Europe so far this season.
Ted Hill – Worcester Warriors (signed a contract extension for 2 years)
It was announced earlier this week that Back-Rower Ted Hill, has signed another contract extension for the Worcester Warriors. He was born and bred in Worcester and has been representing them at different age groups since the age of sixteen. He’s only 21 but has made a huge impact since making his debut for the Worcester Warriors first team against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road in November 2018. He was monumental in Worcester securing their first win against the Tigers and on debut, he scored two tries (one of which was the winner). The gifted back rower was then called up to the full England squad for the 2018 autumn internationals and made his England debut against Japan in November at the age of only 19. I’ll never forget the hit he made on Henry Tuilagi on his Premiership debut. The timing was a thing of pure beauty and put him straight on his backside! He’s got some pace and for a back-rower, his offload isn’t too shabby either! He reads the game so well for somebody who is still so young and I think he’s a good leader on the field. He’s got a big future at Worcester and I’m thrilled to see the club is using a lot of their homegrown talent for the Premiership. More clubs need to take note of their academy and development squads so players can progress into the first teams.
That’s all for this week but I hope you enjoyed part two of my thoughts on some new signings for the 20/21 Premiership season. Take care and thank you for reading. Elizabeth x
