Chart topper: Billy Vunipola beat more defenders than anyone else, bar Mike Brown last season. Now he’s a Saracen

The stats from last season are impressive, with big players beating defenders and kickers clinging to ridiculous conversion percentages. But does this show who should win the league next season or who will be the best payer in the league? Quite the contrary. There are indeed hints that teams and players could kick on, but looking at some of these stats, we can deduce that some teams may struggle with players starting the season with other clubs.

Want to see Rugby World’s new season guide, as well as exclusive interviews with leading players eying up the competition? You’d better buy the October edition then – Out now!