Prem 2026-27 preview – Saracens: Title odds, key players and squad changes

By Peter Ryan

Saracens are entering a new era. Well, sort of.

Brendan Venter returns as director of rugby as the club looks to get back to the top of the Premiership.

They have the talent and experience. Now it all comes down to performing on the pitch. Season after season, Saracens find a way to remain in the fight for the biggest prizes.

The bookmakers expect them to challenge once again, but reputations do not win titles. Now comes the opportunity to prove that Saracens remain one of the forces to beat.

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Last season

Last time out, Saracens just missed out on the play-offs. They finished the season in fifth place with 57 points.

Saracens won 10 and lost eight. On the attacking front, they were dangerous, tallying an impressive 628 points and conceding 449.

This suggests the English club was capable of dominating a contest but struggled with consistency.

If Saracens find their ruthless edge once again, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

What is particularly exciting is that the next generation is shining through.

Caluori has moved beyond the label of exciting prospect – 18 tries, 802 metres and 21 line breaks in 2025/26 demonstrate a player already capable of making a decisive impact.

The future may be incredibly bright, but his influence is already being felt.

Charlie Bracken was impressive. The scrum-half made 566 successful passes, 134 kicks and eight try assists.

Young talent is abundant within their ranks; the likes of Angus Hall and Toby Knight look very promising.

Squad changes

There have been some changes to the team, but the squad looks strong.

The biggest loss looks to be Tom Wills, who will join Bordeaux for this season.

Wills is absolutely a workhorse, a dynamic ball carrier and a rock in defence. Saracens and England will miss him.

They have also lost Theo McFarland, Marco Riccioni, Ivan van Zyl and Alex Lozowski.

Even though they have had to deal with departures, Saracens have brought in some firepower.

Tomos Williams makes the move from Gloucester. He brings plenty of attacking flair and high-tempo play.

It is an exciting prospect to think of him partnering with Owen Farrell. George Martin and Alfie Barbeary will add tremendous experience to the forward pack.

The odds

Saracens sit as the top contenders behind Bath and Northampton Saints. The club will be fighting extra hard, as it is the club’s 150th anniversary.

Along with this, it is Jamie George’s last season. It will be interesting to see what Saracens can do in a special year.

The Saracens name still carries weight, forged through years of success, memorable battles and silverware.

But history alone will not take them back to the summit.

The challenge now is to write another chapter, rediscover that winning edge and prove they can rule once again.

READ MORE: Prem 2026-27 preview – Gloucester: Title odds, key players and squad changes