A rebranded season gets underway
The Gallagher PREM season kicks off with a fresh look and a Thursday night curtain-raiser as Sale host Gloucester under the lights. New visuals may frame the competition, but the competitive brief remains familiar: fast starts, fierce collisions, and early statements of intent.
Round 1 spotlight: Sale vs Gloucester
Sale open the campaign with the Thursday night showcase, a stage they know well and a platform to set the tone. Gloucester arrive eager to spoil the party, loaded with power up front and playmakers keen to test early-season cohesion. Expect tactical kicking, set-piece jousting, and a premium on discipline.
Exeter’s double boost for Saints trip
Exeter Chiefs have landed timely good news ahead of their trip to Northampton Saints on Sunday, with international duo Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Dafydd Jenkins passed fit. The added punch in the backline and leadership in the pack sharpen Exeter’s threat against a Saintly side that thrives in transition.
Sale Sharks rebrand their home: CorpAcq Stadium
Off the pitch, Sale Sharks have confirmed the Salford Community Stadium will be renamed the CorpAcq Stadium from the start of the 2025/26 campaign. The multi-year agreement underlines the club’s commercial momentum and provides a renewed identity for matchdays, broadcasts, and the fan experience.
What to watch across the opening weekend
- Early fitness vs fluency: Who hits their rhythm first after pre-season tweaks?
- Leadership moments: Captains earning territory, points, and composure when games tighten.
- Bench impact: Round 1 often swings on fresh legs and smart finishing.
New look, same intensity: the PREM is back, and the opening salvos promise plenty.
