The Aviva Premiership is one of the best leagues in the world and attracts some of the best players from abroad. Here are the biggest transfers for next season already confirmed:
The biggest story is the end of the George Ford transfer saga, as he moves from Bath to old club Leicester Tigers, with Freddie Burns moving the other way. Leicester have also parted ways with Owen Williams, who moves to Gloucester.
Bath have also signed Sam Underhill from the Ospreys, who seems to be pushing for England honours at some point in the future.
Gloucester have secured the services of former Bath back-rower Carl Fearns from Lyon and Fraser Balmain from the Leicester Tigers, but have lost Matt Kvesic and Greig Laidlaw to Exeter and Clermont respectively.
Newcastle Falcons have completed some tidy business, confirming the acquisitions of French international Maxime Mermoz, along with DTH van der Merwe, while former 7s star Marcus Watson moves to Wasps, who have also signed Gabiriele Lovobalavu from Bayonne.
Sale Sharks have today completed the signing of Josh Strauss, but are yet to conduct any more business.
Saracens have been busy, replacing the Toulon-bound Chris Ashton with Welsh international Liam Williams, whilst also signing Calum Clark from Northampton.
The Saints too have made various moves, notably Rob Horne and Cobus Reinach from Super Rugby teams NSW Waratahs and Sharks respectively, and have lost JJ Hanrahan back to former club Munster.
Bottom of the table Bristol have enlisted flanker Steven Luatua from the Auckland Blues and Alapati Leiua from Wasps, but it remains a big question as to whether they will remain in the competition for next year with a fascinating relegation battle brewing.
Harlequins have signed Dave Lewis from Exeter and Phil Swainston from Wasps, and are likely to conduct more business in the coming weeks. Worcester Warriors have recruited Ryan Grant and Ethan Waller to bolster their front row, but have lost Phil Dowson due to his planned retirement.
While we are still six games away from the end of the regular season, next season clearly looks like a terrific prospect and should provide even more excitement for English fans.
Oscar Reilly, Pundit Arena
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