Premiership Rugby 2024/25: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Premiership Rugby 2024/25 begins on Friday with a rematch of last season's Grand Final between Bath and Northampton, while Newcastle also take on Bristol.

Financial constraints mean it has been another tricky summer for the English clubs but there have still been some eye-catching arrivals both on and off the field.

After 15 points separated the top eight sides in last term's final regular season standings, it promises to be another blockbuster campaign, with the 18-fixture format piling pressure on the teams to ensure they limit their slip-ups.

Premiership Rugby 2024/25 betting tips and predictions

Bath - Grand Final Winner - 3/1

The adage is that you have to lose one to win one and Bath came agonisingly close to being crowned English champions for the first time since 1995/96 last season, going down 25-21 to Northampton at Twickenham.

Unlike Saints, who have seen the Waller brothers, Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam included among those who have departed, Johann van Graan has managed to keep hold of most of his big names.

Ahead of a season that could end with him playing a key role for the British & Irish Lions in Australia, fly-half Finn Russell is again primed to run the attack and supply centres Cameron Redpath and Ollie Lawrence.

Meanwhile, their stacked back-row has been supplemented by Guy Pepper's arrival from Newcastle, adding further competition behind the likely starting trio of Ted Hill, Sam Underhill and Alfie Barbeary.

Their key acquisition could be that of Ross Molony. The Irishman found himself as the odd lock out after Leinster signed RG Snyman and his arrival adds real class to Bath's second row. He will add both line-out quality and some of the forward grunt his new club has lacked in recent decades.

Molony might prove the difference between another near miss and finally lifting the trophy at Twickenham.

Leicester - Top 4 Finish - 2/1

The riches elsewhere and the retirements of several stars has meant the transfer activity around the Premiership has not been as exciting as in previous years.

There are some standouts, with Kiwi Fergus Burke, who also qualifies for both England and Scotland, anointed Owen Farrell's successor at Saracens. Sale have also played a real wildcard with the arrival of Fijian centre Waisea Nayacalevu, who, despite being 34, retains one of the best outside breaks in the game.

Instead of player signings making the difference, a coaching one could be vital, with Michael Cheika replacing fellow Australian Dan McKellar at Leicester.

The Tigers were occasionally brilliant during McKellar's sole season but failed to click consistently and eventually finished eighth.

Cheika arrives after some time off since guiding Argentina to the semi-finals of World Cup 2023 and will lift everyone at Welford Road.

Wallaby centre Izaia Perese will give his team go-forward in the backs, homegrown lock Finn Carnduff could be a breakout star of the season and young South African Corne Beets might be the man to replace outgoing number eight Jasper Wiese.

Suddenly, things are on the up for the Tigers, and a top-four finish is a real possibility.

Ollie Sleightholme - top tournament tryscorer - 10/1

Northampton wing Ollie Sleightholme topped the try scoring charts in 2023/24 and looks the player to beat again.

Sleightholme may even have made the difference in his team's Champions Cup defeat to Leinster had he not missed the match in Dublin.

The bustling winger's form earned him an England call-up for the summer tour of New Zealand and he is pushing for a place in the autumn.

He looks to behind teammate Tommy Freeman and blockbuster Exeter star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in the national team pecking order, with the latter only getting better after crossing in both Tests against the All Blacks.

Freeman's development could see him slip into the centres and allow Sleightholme a starting place in Steve Borthwick's run-on side against the Kiwis on 2nd November.

The 24-year-old's bustling style is reminiscent of his father, former England winger Jon, and he can continue to step out of his dad's shadow by dotting down on a regular basis.

Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site

Premiership Rugby 2024/25 odds

Northampton - 11/4
Saracens - 11/4
Bath - 3/1
Sale Sharks - 9/1
Exeter Chiefs - 10/1
Harlequins - 12/1
Leicester - 14/1
Bristol - 14/1
Gloucester - 40/1
Newcastle Falcons - 1000/1

View the full market and more odds for Premiership Rugby 2024/25 on site

Read How to watch Premiership Rugby: TV channel, key dates & fixtures

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.