As English rugby fans reset their calendars, all eyes turn toward the 2025/26 PREM Rugby Cup, a revitalised and tightly contested domestic cup competition set to get underway shortly. With fixtures scheduled from mid-September through February, the cup promises high-stakes action and dramatic narratives among the country’s best clubs.
Competition Format
Formerly known as the Premiership Rugby Cup, the PREM Rugby Cup returns for its 53rd edition in 2025/26, but this time with a notable change: participation is now exclusive to the ten Premiership clubs, marking the first such edition without Championship sides included.
Trams are split into two pools of five, each playing eight matches (four at home, four away). The top two from each pool advance to the semi-finals, with the final taking place the following week. Expectations are high for the group stage and beyond, with each gam carrying significant weight.
Fixtures Kick Off in September
The curtain is officially raised in mid-September, with notable early fixtures including:
Sale Sharks vs Bristol Bears on Saturday, September 13 at 3 pm
Saracens vs Northampton Saints on Friday, September 19 at 7.30 pm
Bath Rugby vs Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, September 20 at 15.05
Additional matchdays run through to February 2026. These opening rounds are crucial, setting the tone, influencing momentum, and offering early insights into who the runners and riders will be.
Who Are the Early Favourites?
Several clubs stand out as early favourites for PREM Rugby Cup success this season.
Bath Rugby
As reigning champions of both the Premiership and the PREM Rugby Cup, Bath are riding an impressive wave of success. Under coach Johann van Graan, they achieved a historic treble. So, it’s no wonder that online sports betting operators have them installed as the team to beat in the PREM Rugby Cup this term.
Saracens
Saracens are a perennial powerhouse, and they’re never not in the mix, especially in competitions like the PREM Rugby Cup. They’re serious contenders, and they’ll be one of the main teams to watch alongside Bath.
Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints aren’t considered as strong favourites in the mould of Bath and Saracens, but they’re consistent performers, and in cup competitions, this can make all the difference. Seeing the Saints lift the PREM Rugby Cup in 2025/26 wouldn’t be too much of a surprise.
Why These Teams Stand Out
Bath’s Momentum: Coming off a hugely successful season in 2024/25, where they secured the treble, Bath are full of confidence, and they have the depth to compete on multiple fronts.
Saracens’ Resilience: Underlying strength and smart recruitment make Saracens an ever-present threat. Their adaptability in cup rugby cannot be underestimated.
Northampton’s Consistency: Regular semifinalists in league play, the Saints often deliver consistent performances across all competitions. Their leanings toward defence and structure will serve them well.
Looking Ahead
When the PREM Rugby Cup launches in September, all eyes will be on the early fixtures, especially in the high-profile matches. Standings can change quickly, with results affecting multiple teams, so every club will be out to get points on the board early.
And, as things stand, Bath, the reigning champions, are the team to beat. But they won’t have it all their own way, which is why this competition is one to watch.
