Charlie Elliott: Owen Farrell’s Saracens return headlines best Prem Rugby signings ahead of the 2025/26 season

With new faces, fresh ambition, and plenty of movement across the league, this upcoming Prem season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years.

The gap between the top and bottom looks tighter than ever, with clubs wasting no time in reshaping their squads.

Exeter Chiefs have been pretty aggressive in the market as they look to climb back into the title race, while Newcastle have turned heads with their first wave of signings under Red Bull ownership.

Now officially rebranded as the Newcastle Red Bulls, they’re already making bold moves that suggest their days at the foot of the table could be numbered.

At the same time, Leicester Tigers find themselves in transition, having lost head coach Michael Cheika and several key players.

Here are a few of the best signings that have already been confirmed by clubs.

Owen Farrell’s Return

It felt inevitable, and now it’s official. Owen Farrell is back at Saracens, and fans are eager to see what he brings after a mixed spell in France and a summer with the British and Irish Lions.

His time at Racing 92 was disrupted by injuries, but Farrell remains one of the most experienced and respected players in the game.

With nearly 3,000 points from his 16 seasons at Saracens, he’s more than just a familiar face. He’s a leader.

Farrell is signed for a couple of seasons as a player before transitioning into a coaching role, but his impact on the field is still vital. After missing out on the play-offs last season, Saracens could use a lift.

Farrell might be exactly what they need to find their edge again.

Santi Carreras Heads to Bath

As if Premiership champions Bath didn’t already have enough talent, they’ve now added one of the league’s most exciting players. Santi Carreras, a fan favourite at Gloucester thanks to his electric pace and sharp handling, has traded Kingsholm for The Rec.

He’s primarily a fly-half but just as comfortable in the back three. With Finn Russell still running the show at ten, Carreras is likely to slot in out wide.

Add in young talent like Ciaran Donoghue pushing through, and Bath suddenly have serious depth in key positions.

Carreras feels like a perfect fit for Johan van Graan’s style of play. Bath aren’t resting on last season’s success; they’re building something bigger. And Carreras could be the final piece that takes them to another level.

Len Ikitau to Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs have had a tough run recently, but their summer recruitment suggests they’re not planning to stay in the bottom half for long.

One of the headline signings is Len Ikitau, the talented Australian centre from the Brumbies, who arrives alongside his international teammate Tom Hooper.

Both played against the Lions this summer and bring plenty of international experience. 

Ikitau could play at either 12 or 13, but looks likely to push Henry Slade over to the 12 shirt.

Together, they could form a well-balanced and hard-hitting midfield combination.

This signing sends a clear message. Exeter are aiming higher this season, and with players like Ikitau in the mix, there’s real reason for optimism at Sandy Park.

Guido Petti to Harlequins

Harlequins have pulled off a big signing by bringing in Guido Petti from Bordeaux. The Argentine international played a key role in Bordeaux’s Champions Cup victory and brings serious quality to the pack.

Petti offers something different. He can play at lock or flanker, and he’s known for his physicality, work rate and ability to connect play between forwards and backs.

With fellow Los Pumas star Rodrigo Isgro already at the club, there’s a growing South American presence at The Stoop.

After just missing the play-offs last season, Quins needed to strengthen in key areas.

With Petti in the squad, alongside established stars like Marcus Smith, they’ve got the tools to push further this time around.

Newcastle splash the cash on Tom Christie

Tom Christie’s arrival at Newcastle Red Bulls is one of the most impressive signings of the season.

The 27-year-old flanker has spent the last few years as a key part of the Crusaders’ Super Rugby dynasty, helping them win three titles in four seasons.

He’s currently starring for Canterbury in the NPC and is known for his relentless work rate and leadership, having formerly captained the New Zealand Under-20s. This move marks a real turning point for Newcastle.

With the Red Bull investment confirmed and a fresh identity in place, Christie’s signing shows they’re not just talking about change, they’re already making it happen.

He brings proven quality, a winning mindset and the kind of consistency that every successful team needs. It’s a serious statement from a club ready to move forward.

By Charlie Elliott

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