The historic venue will play host to the Gallagher Premiership final once again in 2025, with last season’s final proving nothing short of spectacular as Northampton Saints beat Bath Rugby (a match which attracted a peak television audience of 1.25 million).
This season promises to build on that momentum, with key fixtures and marquee match-ups that are already fuelling anticipation among fans. The 10-team league’s competitive nature ensures that every team will be fighting tooth and nail, making every match a must-watch event. As the 2024/25 season kicks off, the battle for supremacy is wide open, and with it the chance for players to stake their claim for national team call-ups ahead of this year's Autumn Nations Series and the Guinness Men’s Six Nations in 2025.
Club and country aspirations
At the heart of the excitement are the players who will light up Allianz Stadium and beyond. Among those present at the launch was Marcus Smith, the young playmaker who was the hero of England’s victory against Ireland in the final round of the 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations. Smith’s creativity and flair have made him a fan favourite, and a strong start to the Premiership season could cement his place in England’s squad for the upcoming international campaigns.
Gareth Anscombe, who joins Gloucester this season after a string of injury setbacks, is another player to keep an eye on. The Welsh fly-half is eager to make a statement in the Premiership, and a successful comeback could potentially see him donning the red jersey for Wales once again - one that he's worn with such aplomb in recent years.
Maro Itoje, already considered one of the world’s greats, will be a central figure for Saracens. His leadership - he is the new club captain - will be crucial as Saracens look to regain their foothold at the top of the table. Similarly, Leicester pair George Martin and Anthony Watson are two players who should have significant roles to play for club and country this season. Martin has become a force to be reckoned with, while Watson, who has battled through injuries, is eager to make his long-awaited return to both club and country.
Exeter Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins became the second youngest captain of Wales in this year's Championship, and his growth potential is almost limitless. He will play an important role this season as Rob Baxter's side look to improve on last season's third-placed finish.
Sale Sharks wing Tom Roebuck, freshly-capped on the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand, is also set to tear up the league once again, with reigning Premiership winner Fraser Dingwall also another looking to stake a claim for further Test honours following his debut in this year's Championship.
All spoke to Six Nations Rugby about their favourite Championship memories, and the moments that summed up why they love the game they play. Look out for those revealing answers and more across our platforms in the coming days.
Key dates and new faces
As the 2024/25 season kicks off, fans should mark their calendars for several key dates. The season will feature numerous high-stakes matches, including the much-anticipated clashes between traditional powerhouses and the newly strengthened squads. The fixture list promises intense rivalries and potential upsets, with every match carrying significant implications for the final standings.
In terms of new signings, clubs have been busy bolstering their squads, with several high-profile signings such as Wales' Tomos Williams (Gloucester) and Fiji's Waisea Nayacalevu (Sale Sharks) set to make an impact. The influx of talent ensures that this season will be more competitive than ever.
The road to international glory
For many players, the Gallagher Premiership is not just about club glory but also an opportunity to earn a place in their national teams. With the Autumn Nations Series and the Guinness Men’s Six Nations on the horizon, strong performances in the Premiership could be the key to securing a spot in these prestigious tournaments. The league’s intensity and the level of competition provide the perfect proving ground for players to showcase their skills and catch the eye of national selectors.
