The domestic rugby season may have wrapped up, but the stories off the pitch are just as entertaining as the action on it.
While the Premiership handed out its usual awards—celebrating the season’s top players and coaches—there’s plenty of lighter, unexpected moments making waves too.
From puppies showing up at training to Ibiza boat trips, and even a royal rugby figure’s no-show dinner, let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes tales you might have missed.
Top Honours Go to Stars of the Season
On Tuesday night, the Premiership handed out its big seasonal awards.
Gloucester’s scrum-half Tomos Williams earned player of the season honors, while Northampton’s young sensation Henry Pollock snagged the breakthrough star award.
Bath’s head coach Johann van Graan was named coach of the year after leading his team to the Premiership’s summit.
But while those are the headline-grabbers, there’s plenty more quirky stuff happening off the pitch worth a mention.
Puppies at Training Give Sale Sharks a Boost
Remember the famous story of Saracens’ coach bringing wolves into the changing room? Sale Sharks took a much softer approach this week by welcoming newborn puppies at their Carrington training ground.
Rugby Confidential was there to witness the joy as the little pups, delivered in a trolley decorated with Sale flags, charmed players and staff alike.
Sale’s women’s team organized the surprise, but the men didn’t hold back on the cuddles either — giant forward Jean-Luc du Preez was spotted lavishing some serious affection on the new furry visitors.
Gloucester’s Team Heads for Some Well-Deserved Fun in Ibiza
After narrowly missing out on the playoffs, Gloucester didn’t waste time letting off steam.
The squad jetted off for a team trip to Ibiza, cruising the Balearic Islands on a luxury motorboat to soak up the sun and recharge ahead of the next season.
No Biggar Transfer Drama as Welsh Star Chooses Retirement
Rumors about Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar possibly moving back to the Premiership stirred some buzz, especially when Newcastle’s director of rugby Steve Diamond reached out for his number.
But Biggar had other plans — the veteran has decided to retire comfortably in the south of France, putting an end to speculation of a final English comeback.
Northampton Saints Score Big with Clever Henry Pollock Merch
Northampton Saints showed they know how to market their rising star, quickly releasing Henry Pollock headbands at the club shop while the youngster was making headlines.
At just 20, Pollock has lit up English rugby with his electric plays, celebration antics, and cheeky on-field antics — so the headbands were a perfect way to let fans show their support.
Alex Lozowski Deletes Twitter After Controversial ‘Conspiracy’ Post
Saracens’ Alex Lozowski may have just dodged a big fine after quickly deleting a tweet hinting at a conspiracy following his team’s loss to Northampton.
The comment came after a controversial try decided the match — a call involving a questionable forward pass.
With Jack Nowell having been fined £10,000 in 2023 for criticizing referees, Lozowski’s quick deletion might have saved him from a similar penalty.
Paratrooper’s Dramatic Mishap Delays Toulouse Match
One of the most unusual moments of the season happened when a paratrooper got stuck dangling from the roof of Toulouse’s stadium right before their Champions Cup match against Sale.
His parachute snagged on the stadium, causing a 30-minute delay.
Interestingly, a Premiership club had planned a similar stunt, but it was scrapped after their paratrooper broke his ankle during practice.
Leicester Faces Off-Field Challenges Despite Playoff Spot
Michael Cheika deserves credit for guiding Leicester into the playoffs, but the club’s off-field scene has been turbulent.
With succession planning shaky, a new director of rugby only appointed last month, and no replacement for departing fly-half Handre Pollard, instability has been the theme.
Coach Matt Everard was unexpectedly stood down before a match and has since moved on to Worcester.
Mike Forshaw is rumored to be in the running as the next defense coach.
Bill Sweeney Gets a Ribbing at Premiership Awards Over Bonus Controversy
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney probably expected a smooth ride during his appearance at the Premiership Rugby awards, especially while discussing the upcoming Women’s World Cup in England.
Instead, host Martin Bayfield took the opportunity to rib Sweeney over his controversial £1.1 million bonus.
Bayfield joked about Sweeney’s survival in English rugby, even telling him as he left the stage that his seat was “the one against the wall.”
Nick Auterac Trades Rugby for French Cuisine in West Hampstead
As many legends of English rugby settle into retirement, former Northampton and Scotland prop Nick Auterac is taking a very different path.
Rather than punditry or business, Auterac is swapping scrums for soufflés, embarking on a new career as a chef at a French restaurant in West Hampstead. Talk about a tasty retirement plan!
Mike Tindall’s No-Show Dinner Leaves Media Table to Feast
Finally, one of the more eyebrow-raising moments: Mike Tindall, the 2003 World Cup winner and royal family member, was a notable absentee at the Premiership Rugby awards dinner.
Not only did he skip the black-tie event, but he also forgot to let organizers know, leaving his three-course meal to be devoured by the “Jacks” — the English rugby media collective.
Given Tindall’s role as a leading figure in rugby’s controversial breakaway league, perhaps dodging the dinner was a smart move to avoid a grilling from reporters.