Aviva Premiership - New Signings

With many teams already returning to pre-season this week, Jack Pitt takes a look at some of the players who will be lighting up the Aviva Premiership for their new teams.

Talupe Faletau – Bath Rugby – The gigantic welsh number eight arrives from Newport Gwent Dragons and brings with him a reputation for: leadership, dynamism and ball carrying ability. A stand out performer for both club and country, the West Country faithful and many neutrals are hugely excited about his arrival.

Jon Fisher – Bristol Rugby – No one doubts this man’s potential, yet he hasn’t really been given a true chance or stuck around long enough anywhere to truly reach potential. A powerful ball carrier and a seemingly endless engine, this is a clever signing by Bristol.

Ollie Devoto – Exeter Chiefs – Devoto left Bath due to limited opportunities and they have lost a gem. Under the guidance of Rob Baxter and the environment he provides, expect Devoto to shine this season.

Matt Scott – Gloucester Rugby – Scott arrives from Edinburgh Rugby and can play either fly half or centre. When fit, he is a wonderful footballer. He will provide a spark to a Gloucester midfield that was unimaginative at times last year, his injury list will worry some Cherry and White fans though.

Aaron Morris – Harlequins – Morris was a standout performer at age grade level and has moved across London from Saracens to get some more game time. The fullback position at his previous club was saturated with Alex Goode and another young star in Matt Gallagher. Under the guidance of Mike Brown, this young man has great potential.

Matt Toomua – Leicester Tigers – Leicester have got themselves an exciting playmaker in Toomua, arriving from the Brumbies. He can play fly half or centre. He made his injury return at the weekend against England and looked electric. Partnered with Manu Tuilagi he could be very dangerous.

Joel Hodgson – Newcastle Falcons – The utility back arrives back at Falcons via Northampton Saints and Yorkshire Carnegie. His talent is there for all to see and at his home town club many would back him for success.

Louis Picamoles – Northampton Saints – The destructive number eight arrives from Tolouse and will give the Saints the power from the scrum they lost with Samu Manoa leaving. Sam Dickinson did a fine job last season, but Picamoles is world class.

Kieran Longbottom – Sale Sharks – Longbottom struggled with injury during his time at Saracens, but when fit he is arguably one of the best props in the Aviva Premiership. If he can stay injury free, this is a great signing for the Sharks.

Schalk Burger – Saracens – With Jacques Burger retiring, Saracens have got an almost like for like replacement in Burger. Renowned worldwide for his brutality, the South African flanker needs no introduction.

Kurtley Beale – Wasps – Beale arrives from the Waratahs famed for his creativity and electric pace. Not short of drama in the past, he will want to settle at Wasps and show he is worth his expensive price tag.

Be Te’o – Worcester Warriors – Te’o will arrive in Worcester from Leinster in the summer and he has already toured with England without playing a game here yet. A destructive runner with incredibly soft hands, he was a shining light in a poor season for Leinster last year. Worcester will rely on him for go forward in attack and converting their usually high possession stats into points.

Written for www.TheRugbyPod By Jack Pitt