September is the start of the Guinness Premiership and we’re giving you a peak at the twelve clubs competing to get you all fired up for some exciting English rugby whilst living in the UK.

Four of the twelve Premiership clubs are London clubs - London Irish, London Wasps, Saracens and Harlequins - of which the latter’s grounds are based in Twickenham, South West London. Also, spot a few familiar faces from back home at the various clubs...

Bath
One of the oldest and most successful clubs in England, but better known by South Africans for its successful backs duo of Butch James and Michael Claassens.
SA players: Butch James (Fly-half), Michael Claassens (Scrum-half),
Luke Watson (Flanker)
Stadium: Recreation Ground

Gloucester
Based in the West Country, Gloucester has been very unlucky not to win any silverware the last few seasons, but who knows this may just be the season to prove everyone wrong for new coach Bryan Redpath.
Stadium: Kingsholm

Harlequins (Quins)
Have been on the up in the premiership since return from relegation to National Division One in 2005. Wing Ugo Monye scored against the Springboks in the final Lions test this year, and 2007 World Cup Winner Gary Botha 
is their regular first choice no.2. The team to watch in the 
2009/2010 season.
SA player: Gary Botha (Hooker)
Stadium: The Stoop

Leicester Tigers
The most successful English club in the professional era, again winning the Guinness Premiership in the 2008/2009 season. They’ll be hosting the Springboks in a friendly in November this year.
SA player: Robbie Harris (Prop)
Stadium: Welford Road

Leeds Carnegie
Returns to the Guinness Premiership this season after winning the 2009 National Division One title.
SA player: Marco Wentzel
Stadium: The Headingley Carnegie Stadium

London Irish 
(The Exiles)
One of the four ‘London’ clubs although their home games are played in Reading. Claiming most of the headlines for the Exiles is Mike Catt Р the will he/won’t he retire from professional rugby saga continues. 

SA players: Faan Rautenbach (Prop), Danie Coetzee (Hooker)

London Wasps
Last season was not one of the best seasons for Wasps and they finished 7th in the Guinness Premiership, did not make the Heineken Cup competition and will be playing in the European Challenge Cup instead this season. Expect resurgence with players like Simon Shaw, Phil Vickery and Danny Cipriani. 

SA player: Pat Barnard (Prop) 

Stadium: Adams Park

Newcastle (The Falcons)
The Falcons have been the biggest and most successful club in northern England and used to make headlines thanks to injury-prone and England hero, Jonny Wilkinson. Now that Wilko has moved onto Toulon, they’ll have to depend on their talented, young players to do this for them. 

SA player: Gcobani Bobo (Centre)
Stadium: Kingston Park

Northampton (Saints)
Back in the Guinness Premiership after relegation in 2006/2007 season, the Saints lifted the European Challenge Cup and easily avoided the drop in the 2008/2009 season.
SA player: Regardt Dreyer (Prop), Juandre Kruger (Lock), Brian Mujati (Prop)
Stadium: Franklin’s Gardens

Sale Sharks
Not the best of seasons the last few years, but they can boast with Jason Robinson (ex-England) as Head Coach and also the signing of Ben Cohen former England Winger for this season.
Stadium: Edgeley Park

Saracens
This should be an interesting season for Saracens with the new owners and a big clear out of old players being replaced (mostly) by South Africans. They can be sure they’ll be closely watched by the press and its fans, a challenge head coach Brendan Venter will relish in.
SA players: Schalk Brits (Hooker), Neil de Kock (Scrum-half), Wikus Van Heerden (Back Row), Frik Venter (Prop)
Stadium: Vicarage Road

Worcester (Warriors)
Signed Australian international Chris Latham last season but had a disappointing end to their season after suffering a succession of serious injuries. They’ll be hoping to improve on their 11th place in the table.
Stadium: Sixways

2008/2009 GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP TABLE

1.    Leicester Tigers
2.    Harlequins
3.    London Irish
4.    Bath Rugby
5.    Sale Sharks
6.    Gloucester Rugby
7.    London Wasps
8.    Northampton Saints
9.    Saracens
10.    Newcastle Falcons
11.    Worcester Warriors
12.    Bristol Rugby