Rugby Union
PREM Is Back: Northampton 1/33, Quins 9/2 at Home, Bristol the Bet
Gallagher PREM Rugby returns to our screens this weekend and William Hill News have you covered for the best bets across the first round of fixtures.
Last seasons’ champions Northampton Saints will host the curtain raiser at Franklin’s Gardens against Newcastle Red Bulls, the latest franchise team who finished bottom of the pile in 2026/27.
There is also action from the Stoop on Friday night, as Harlequins play host to last season’s semi-finalists Bath, in what looks like a mouth-watering clash.
Two of the other three games will be played on Saturday afternoon as Exeter host Gloucester, before Bristol travel to Sale, with Leicester v Saracens rounding off the weekend’s action on Sunday.
Let’s dive in and take a look at how this weekend could unfold.
Northampton Saints v Newcastle Red Bulls – Friday 25th September, 19:45
Northampton Saints were unstoppable last season as they won the league by a five-point margin to Exeter, winning 14 matches, drawing one and losing just three. It could be a similar story again this year, as we have boosted them to 5/2 (from 2/1) to win the PREM Grand Final ahead of the first game of the season.
They are very short odds at 1/33 to breeze past Newcastle and it is easy to see why. No one is in any doubt about who will win this one. Henry Pollock’s new contract will bring a renewed buzz to the club and the only way is up at Northampton at the moment.
For Newcastle, this looks a tall order. It is hard to see them defying their 10/1 odds away to the champions on the opening weekend.
Prediction: Northampton Saints -22 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Harlequins v Bath – Friday 25th September, 19:45
After having only Newcastle behind them at the end of last season, the last thing Quins will want is another poor start, but the fixture list hasn’t helped them here. They are 9/2 underdogs at home to last season’s semi-finalists in what looks a tough opening match.
It looks wise to side with the away team here, especially given George Furbank, Marcus Smith and Fin Baxter will all be on the sidelines for the home side, making them look especially vulnerable.
On the flipside, Bath have some big names returning to and remaining in their squad. Exciting South African number eight Dan du Preez makes his first PREM start alongside a host of big names, which should see Bath through this one with a minimum of fuss.
Prediction: Tom De Glanville To Score a Try & Bath To Win – 11/8
Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester – Saturday 26th September, 15:05
Exeter Chiefs have been on a rapid incline in recent years, capped by their run to the final in the 2025/26 season. They’ll be looking to back that up in this campaign and a winning start would do their chances no harm.
Their momentum could be halted by losing two star players from last season, Len Ikitau and Scott Sio. That said, they have a young core who are all still improving and could make up for that.
Gloucester, on the other hand, have undergone a proper rebuild and will be hoping to make a charge for the play-offs. Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake and Jean Kleyn are all significant additions to the pack, but will that be enough?
Prediction: Gloucester +9 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears – Saturday 26th September, 17:30
Saturday evening sees Sale Sharks welcome in a proper mid-table clash from last season… sort of. Although Bristol finished sixth and Sale seventh, there was an 18-point gulf separating the two sides.
That means the 17/10 about Bristol could be good value here, given their opponents are 1/2 favourites despite winning just five games last season. Add to that the fact they beat Sale 19-17 in their last encounter, this looks a value opportunity.
Prediction: Bristol Bears to win – 17/10
Leicester Tigers v Saracens – Sunday 27th September, 15:00
The final game of the weekend is a blockbuster clash between last season’s fourth and fifth-placed sides. Leicester Tigers welcome Saracens to Welford Road with the home side narrow favourites at 4/6.
Consistency was their downfall last season as they rolled teams over with sheer quality, but struggled on the road. Their home record of eight wins and one loss last season makes them obvious favourites here.
Saracens were also not lacking in quality, missing out on the play-offs by just six point but managing to post the best points difference in the league in the process. Tomos Williams, George Martin and Alfie Barbeary have been added to the ranks and they look like real play-off contenders now.
Prediction: Leicester Tigers 1-7 Winning Margin – 2/1
