Hold onto your seats, rugby fans, because this week’s PREM Rugby Team of the Week is packed with jaw-dropping performances that are sure to spark debate! Louis Rees-Zammit’s electrifying display has everyone talking—could this be the game-changer for his England aspirations? But here’s where it gets controversial: while some players shone brighter than ever, others were left on the sidelines, leaving us wondering if the selectors got it right. Let’s dive in!
As Round Seven of the PREM season wrapped up, the action kicked off with a bang on Friday night. Leicester Tigers delivered a masterclass, dominating Gloucester at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. This set the tone for a weekend filled with drama, as Exeter Chiefs snatched a thrilling win over Saracens, and Northampton Saints and Bristol Bears crushed Sale Sharks and Harlequins, respectively. Bath rounded things off with a commanding victory over Newcastle Red Bulls. Now, without further ado, here’s the XV that stood head and shoulders above the rest!
PREM Rugby Team of the Week
15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears): The Welsh speedster has been quietly impressive since his PREM return, but this performance was a bold statement. Rees-Zammit’s full-back display was nothing short of exceptional, as he exploited every inch of space, racking up 152 metres and 15 carries, capped off by a stunning solo try. Olly Woodburn and Freddie Steward also caught the eye, but Rees-Zammit stole the show.
14. Noah Caluori (Saracens): Despite his team’s loss, the young winger was a standout. Caluori’s attacking prowess was on full display, with 72 metres, a line break, and a brace of tries from just eight carries. Kalaveti Ravouvou was close, but Caluori’s impact was undeniable.
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs): The ‘Rolls Royce’ of Devon rugby is firing on all cylinders this season. Against Saracens, Slade was a constant threat, making 105 metres from 13 carries and scoring a decisive try in his 15-point haul. Benhard Janse van Rensburg impressed for Bristol, but Slade’s class was unmatched.
12. Solomone Kata (Leicester Tigers): Kata was a force of nature against Gloucester, powering through the midfield with 76 metres from nine carries and beating seven defenders. His try was the cherry on top of a dominant performance. Len Ikitau was unlucky to miss out, but Kata’s impact was too big to ignore.
11. George Hendy (Northampton Saints): In a weekend of stellar wing play, Hendy edged out Campbell Ridl and Ollie Hassell-Collins. His 55-minute stint was explosive, with 120 metres, two line breaks, and a brace of tries. A true game-changer.
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints): Smith seems to have rediscovered his magic, and it showed in his side’s win over Sale. His six conversions were just the start—his carrying and playmaking were back to their best. Tom Jordan was unlucky, but Smith’s all-round game sealed his spot.
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints): While Ben Spencer and Kieron Marmion impressed, Mitchell reminded everyone why he’s England’s top choice. His improvisation for Hendy’s first try was pure genius, and his breakdown work was relentless.
The Forwards
8. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs): Fisilau grew into the game, eventually sealing it with a decisive brace. His 15 tackles and 10 carries showcased his work rate, though Tom Willis and Joaquin Moro also stood out.
7. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints): Wearing the number eight shirt but playing like a true seven, Pollock was everywhere against Sale. His opening try, 13 carries for 55 metres, and defensive steel made him unstoppable. Fitz Harding was close, but Pollock’s energy was unmatched.
6. Miles Reid (Bath): England’s back-row depth is incredible, and Reid is knocking on the door. Against Newcastle, he made 16 carries for 43 metres, nine tackles, and two turnovers. Josh Kemeny impressed, but Reid’s impact was undeniable.
5. Joe Batley (Bristol Bears): Batley’s all-round game continues to impress, pushing his case for an England cap. His nine carries, 10 tackles, and expert support lines kept Bristol ticking. His try was a just reward. Andrea Zambonin was close, but Batley’s consistency won out.
4. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers): In a battle of lock titans, Chessum edged out Dafydd Jenkins and Alex Coles. His four carries yielded 37 metres and a line break, while his defensive work was rock solid.
3. Lovejoy Chawatama (Bristol Bears): This was a tough call, with Trevor Davison impressing, but Chawatama’s nine tackles and scrum resilience earned him the nod. A key performer across the park.
2. Dan Frost (Bath): Frost’s brace was the highlight, but his eight carries for 35 metres and eight defenders beaten showed his all-round game. A standout performance that couldn’t be ignored.
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears): Genge’s 50-metre solo try was the stuff of legend, but his 11 carries and 10 tackles in the tight proved his worth. A remarkable effort that pipped Nicky Smith to the post.
And this is the part most people miss: While Rees-Zammit’s performance was a statement, is it enough to secure his England spot? And did Pollock’s number eight shirt affect his selection as a seven? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this team is sure to spark debate!
