Following the conclusion of round two of the 2026/27 PREM Rugby season, Planet Rugby reported the latest Team of the Week selections after a weekend featuring victories for Bath, Bristol Bears, Gloucester, Leicester Tigers, and Saracens. The opening round of fixtures broke the record for the most tries scored across an opening round in league history.
Gloucester and Bath Dominate Selection After Opening Weekend Victories
Gloucester secured multiple spots in the XV following their thumping win against Harlequins. George Barton took the fullback position after providing an assist and posing a distinct threat in the backline, edging out Sale Sharks’ Joe Carpenter. Will Joseph lined up at outside centre, transitioning smoothly to make a statement for his Test credentials with a well-deserved score. Caolan Englefield directed the attack from scrum-half with two assists and a try, while Will Trenholm anchored the pack at number eight with 19 carries for 61 metres and nine tackles at a 100% success rate.
Bath also placed heavily in the lineup following their win at the Recreation Ground. Max Ojomoh provided a livewire impact off the bench to spark a comeback, sneaking in ahead of club colleague Cameron Redpath. Ewan Richards took the blindside flanker role with 10 carries and 13 tackles at 100% success, packing down alongside lock Quinn Roux, who contributed 20 tackles and a turnover. In the front row, tighthead Will Stuart and loosehead Beno Obano delivered complete displays to remind Steve Borthwick of their class.
Excellence Across Sale, Bristol, and Leicester Squads
Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso earned selection despite his side’s defeat at the Rec, finishing the night with two tries and 133 metres gained. Bristol Bears featured Louis Rees-Zammit on the opposite wing after the Welsh player caused havoc against Northampton Saints with seven defenders beaten, five linebreaks, 79 metres, and two tries. Their teammate Pedro Rubiolo stole the show in the tight exchanges, putting up 10 carries and 14 tackles from the lock position.
Sale Sharks placed two key figures in the XV. George Ford guided his side to victory over Saracens with tactical kicking and spatial awareness, while hooker Nathan Jibulu nailed his set-piece duties and added 13 tackles alongside a try. Leicester Tigers were represented by flanker Tommy Reffell, who delivered an unrelenting defensive shift against Newcastle Red Bulls by posting 29 tackles and three turnovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PREM Rugby Team of the Week
Which player made the most tackles during the opening round?
Leicester Tigers flanker Tommy Reffell recorded 29 tackles and three turnovers in his side’s win over Newcastle Red Bulls.
Who broke the try-scoring record in the opening round?
The entire league broke the record for the most tries across an opening round of fixtures in PREM Rugby history during a weekend that featured big wins for Bath, Bristol Bears, Gloucester, Leicester Tigers, and Saracens.
Which Gloucester players earned selection in the XV?
Gloucester was heavily represented by George Barton at fullback, Will Joseph at outside centre, Caolan Englefield at scrum-half, and Will Trenholm at number eight.
