While several Gallagher PREM clubs strengthened their squads during the 2026 offseason, the league also lost a number of established international players. Some returned to the Southern Hemisphere, others signed with Top 14 clubs, while a handful of veteran stars opted for new challenges elsewhere.
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For clubs with championship ambitions, replacing elite talent is never easy. Bath Rugby must move forward without one of the world's best tighthead props. Saracens lost the engine of their forward pack, while Exeter Chiefs saw several experienced internationals head overseas after reaching last season's Gallagher PREM Final.
Here are the 10 biggest players leaving the Gallagher PREM before the start of the 2026-27 season.
10. Eduardo Bello — Newcastle Red Bulls To Ulster
Argentina international Eduardo Bello spent several seasons as one of Newcastle's most dependable front-row players. His move to Ulster leaves the Red Bulls searching for experience at tighthead despite their massive offseason rebuild.
9. Tamati Tua — Exeter Chiefs To BlackRams Tokyo
A versatile back capable of playing multiple positions, Tamati Tua provided valuable depth during Exeter's run to the Gallagher PREM Final. His move to Japan removes another experienced option from the Chiefs' backline.
8. Hamish Watson — Leicester Tigers To Castres
One of Scotland's most respected forwards, Hamish Watson brought leadership and relentless work rate to Leicester Tigers. Although no longer in his prime, his experience will be difficult for the Tigers to replace.
7. Stephan Lewies — Harlequins To Sharks
Harlequins lose an experienced second-row leader with Stephan Lewies returning to South Africa. His lineout ability and leadership were valuable assets for Quins over multiple seasons.
6. Ivan van Zyl — Saracens To Sharks
Saracens have recruited well at scrum-half, but Ivan van Zyl leaves behind years of consistency and leadership. The South African veteran helped guide one of England's most successful clubs throughout his tenure in North London.
5. Ben Healy — Newcastle Red Bulls To La Rochelle
Despite Newcastle's struggles last season, Ben Healy remained one of the Gallagher PREM's most dependable kickers and playmakers. His departure to French powerhouse La Rochelle leaves the Red Bulls without one of their most experienced backs.
4. Len Ikitau — Exeter Chiefs To Brumbies
Exeter loses one of the Premiership's premier centers as Len Ikitau returns to Australia. The Wallabies international was outstanding on both sides of the ball and played a major role in the Chiefs reaching last season's final.
3. Theo McFarland — Saracens To La Rochelle
Few forwards in world rugby possess Theo McFarland's athleticism and versatility. Equally effective at lock or flanker, the Samoa international became a cornerstone of the Saracens pack before making the move to France.
2. Thomas du Toit — Bath Rugby To Sharks
Bath's run to the Gallagher PREM Final was built around one of the league's most dominant scrums, and Thomas du Toit was central to that success. The Springboks prop returns to South Africa after establishing himself as one of the competition's elite front-row players. Replacing him will be one of Bath's biggest challenges this season.
1. Tom Willis — Saracens To Bordeaux
No player leaving the Gallagher PREM may be more difficult to replace than Tom Willis. The England international developed into one of the competition's premier No. 8s, combining powerful ball carrying with elite defense and relentless work around the breakdown. His move to Bordeaux removes one of the league's very best forwards and leaves a significant void for Saracens entering Brendan Venter's first season as director of rugby.
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