The new Gallagher Premiership season begins next week, with a host of world stars plying their trade in English rugby union’s top flight.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at five players capable of lighting up the league.

Charles Piutau (Bristol)

English rugby’s first so-called £1million player – the speculated price tag put on New Zealand All Black Piutau following his move from Ulster to Bristol – has the potential to be box office material on the west country club’s Premiership return. Bristol have invested hugely in his talent, and he is unlikely to disappoint. A blistering strike-runner who offers options at full-back, centre or wing, his ability to carve up opposition defences is likely to be seen in all its glory.

Danny Cipriani (Gloucester)

Ulster v Gloucester Rugby – Pre-Season Friendly – Kingspan Stadium
England fly-half Danny Cipriani will be a key player for Gloucester this season (Donall Farmer/PA Wire)

One of English rugby’s most talked-about players in the professional era, Cipriani ended a 10-year wait between Test match starts when he featured as fly-half for England in their third Test victory over South Africa two months ago. Off-field matters – not for the first time – have subsequently overhadowed his rugby, yet there can be little doubt that Gloucester have signed a player of rare ability who has a magical touch. Can he stir one of the English game’s sleeping giants?

Dan Biggar (Northampton)

Fly-half Biggar has become the latest high-profile Wales international to head for Premiership action, following players like Liam Williams, Jamie Roberts, Taulupe Faletau and George North, who has now moved from Northampton to Biggar’s former team the Ospreys. Saints endured a dreadful time of it last term, but optimism is high of a revival under their new rugby director Chris Boyd, and Biggar – a clever tactician with strong game-management skills – is key to implementing the master-plan.

Chris Ashton (Sale)

Chris Ashton File Photo
England wing Chris Ashton will line up for Sale this season (David Davies/PA Wire)

Back in England after a record-breaking try-scoring stint with French club Toulon, Sale’s new signing faced an uncertain start to life at the AJ Bell Stadium after being sent off in a pre-season friendly against Castres. When available, he will offer the Sharks added attacking bite, with his natural ability to sniff our tries through his searing pace and devastating attacking angles. Could be a star man for club and country this term.

Lima Sopoaga (Wasps)

Sopoaga arrives at the Ricoh Arena with an outstanding reputation forged on the playing fields of New Zealand. Capped 18 times by the All Blacks, he was an integral part of the Hurricanes’ 2015 Super Rugby title-winning team, while he also helped them beat the British and Irish Lions last year. A mercurial talent, he has the skills and tactical acumen from fly-half to offer Wasps an irresistible package, and they might just have made one of the signings of the season.