The academy stars to watch out for this Premiership season

The academy prospects from Gallagher Premiership clubs to watch out for this season. The salary cap has been squeezed this year and clubs are turning to their academies to cover gaps.

Staddon has made eight first-team appearances for Bath. He was one of many young talents used through the abridged Covid season of 2020-21. John Stewart is another player to watch out for this season.

Bailey has made two first-team appearances for Bristol this season. He has previously played in the Premiership Rugby Cup. Bailey has played for Hartpury in past. Charlie Rice is another player to watch out for this year.

Leatherbarrow started at No 8 in the recent pre-season defeat against Ulster. He has made one first-team appearance for Exeter. Leatherbarrows scored against England Under-20s back in February.

Gloucester's homegrown back scored on his Premiership debut away at Sale last season. He also played for Gloucester in the Premiership Rugby Cup and Challenge Cup. Matty Jones and Harry Taylor have also impressed in pre-season.

Cassius Cleaves, Conor Oresanya and Jamie Benson are first-team players for Harlequins. Fin Baxter is now in the senior squad. Hobson played in Champions Cup last season and wants to play more in that competition this season.

Lewis Chessum has made two first-team appearances for Leicester. He is the England Under-20 captain. Tim Hoyt and Jed Walsh are also options at Leicester, but Chessup is getting bigger and better for both club and country.

Cunningham-South has made three first-team appearances for Hazelwood this season. He was almost parachuted into the England Under-20 setup earlier this year following his arrival from New Zealand. Irish plan to use him in both the back and second rows this term.

Iwan Stephens was promoted to the Newcastle senior squad last season. Johnson and Ollie Fletcher are also young prospects to watch this season at Newcastle.

Grayson made three first-team appearances for Northampton last season. Ethan has played for England at the U20 Six Nations and summer series. Tristan Woodman is an 18-year-old flanker for Sale Sharks.

Woodman has played regularly for the England Under-18s in 2022. He was named in Next Gen XV’s team of the tournament.

Toby Knight has been promoted to the Saracens senior squad. Charlie Bracken is the son of former England scrum-half Kyran.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso joined Wasps Senior Academy from Cardiff Blues earlier this year. Reeketi Ma'asi-White played for England Under-20s this summer.

Smith started 15 Premiership games last season for Worcester. He is still technically listed in the academy. Northampton Saints are interested in signing him.