The PREM Rugby Team of the Season has been unveiled, spotlighting the standout performers from the league with Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers at the forefront. Both teams, guided by Rob Baxter and Geoff Parling respectively, have impressively clinched four spots each after securing top-four finishes. The Bristol Bears are also well represented with three players making the cut, while Bath Rugby contributes two. Despite topping the league table, Northampton Saints and Saracens see only one player each in the team, highlighting the competitive nature of this season's selections.
Leading the backline, Freddie Steward has been selected as the full-back, flanked by wingers Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. The center partnership features Henry Slade and recent England squad addition Benhard Janse van Rensburg. The critical half-back roles are filled by Billy Searle at fly-half and Ben Spencer at scrum-half, orchestrating the game's tempo with precision.
In the forwards, Tom Willis, the PREM Rugby Player of the Year, anchors the pack at number eight, supported on the flanks by Fitz Harding and Tom Hooper. The second row boasts Andrea Zambonin alongside Ollie Chessum, providing essential strength and agility. The front row trio of Thomas du Toit, Jamie Blamire, and Ellis Genge rounds off a formidable lineup.
Despite the celebration of talent, the selections have not been without controversy. Noah Caluori, despite topping the try-scoring chart, was notably absent, alongside other potential candidates like Archie McParland, Fin Smith, and Dafydd Jenkins. Additionally, Joe Heyes, England's Player of the Year, found himself overlooked for inclusion.
"Henry Slade is playing like one of the top centers in the world,"
praised Exeter's Rob Baxter, highlighting Slade's consistent performance throughout the season.Moreover, the selection bodes well for England's rugby prospects, with 11 of the 15 chosen players eligible to represent the country. This includes nine who participated in the recent 42-man alignment camp, preparing for the upcoming Nations Championship Tests.
The team was chosen by a diverse panel of media representatives, reflecting a comprehensive view of this season's top performers. Their selections not only underscore individual brilliance but also the strategic elements that define winning rugby.
PREM Rugby Team of the Season in full: Freddie Steward (15), Tommy Freeman (14), Henry Slade (13), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (12), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (11), Billy Searle (10), Ben Spencer (9), Tom Willis (8), Fitz Harding (7), Tom Hooper (6), Andrea Zambonin (5), Ollie Chessum (4), Thomas du Toit (3), Jamie Blamire (2), Ellis Genge (1).