After much speculation, Zach Mercer confirms his next club
Rugby NewsTuesday, 30 August 2022 at 11:08
After much speculation Gloucester Rugby is pleased to confirm the signing of Zach Mercer ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Leeds born Number 8 is currently plying his trade in Montpellier, having signed for the Top 14 side in 2021 after five years with Bath Rugby.
With two England caps to his name – as well as 17 for England U20, including 10 as captain - Mercer has made a lasting impression in France over the past 12-months. He helped secure Montpellier’s maiden Top 14 title, contributing to three first half tries - including crossing the whitewash himself – in a man of the match performance hailed by rugby fans and media alike.
Nominated for World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2017, the 25-year-old received his first call-up to the senior England team in the same year, going on to secure his debut test cap against Japan in the 2018 Autumn Internationals.
Commenting on the announcement, Mercer said:
“To be given the opportunity to come back and play in the Premiership with Gloucester is one that I couldn’t turn down. The loyal fans and atmosphere at Kingsholm is something I can't wait to be part of.
“Alex Brown, Skivs and the whole coaching group are building a strong team and a great environment on the field, and I believe I can add a lot of value. I can’t wait to be wearing the cherry and white jersey in front of the shed and being part of Gloucester’s future.
“I have another season here with Montpellier and I’ll be giving all my focus to the club in trying to secure back-to-back titles and European cup success.”
Reacting to the signing, one fan wrote: "What a signing!! Our back rows will be super exciting to watch."
"Just wow, what a signing!" added a second.
A third commented: "Great signing, quality player. Also makes him selectable for the Rugby World Cup with England."
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England’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad according to the bookies
Paddy Power are preparing to launch a new market which is sure to get fans excited, offering odds on who’ll make the England Rugby World Cup Squad 2023.
Here’s how the 31-man squad would look according to the odds
ODDS: (England Rugby World Cup Squad 2023)
Props (5):
- Ellis Genge 1/50
- Kyle Sinckler 1/10
- Mako Vunipola 1/5
- Will Stuart 1/3
- Joe Marler 2/5
Ellis Genge of England (digitally altered) during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Hookers (3):
- Jamie George 1/14
- Luke Cowan-Dickie 1/6
- Jamie Blamire 5/6
Locks (4):
- Maro Itoje 1/50
- Courtney Lawes 1/14
- Jonny Hill 1/5
- Ollie Chessum 1/5
Final whistle celebrations for Maro Itoje of England Rugby after the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Back-row (5):
- Tom Curry 1/14
- Billy Vunipola 1/9
- Alex Dombrandt 1/9
- Sam Underhill 1/5
- Lewis Ludlam 2/5
Tom Curry of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on January 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Scrum-halves (3):
- Jack van Poortvliet 1/33
- Ben Youngs 1/9
- Harry Randall 4/7
Ben Youngs of England on the break to go over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Fly-halves (2):
- Marcus Smith 1/50
- George Ford 1/5
Marcus Smith of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Centres (4):
- Owen Farrell 1/50
- Manu Tuilagi 1/5
- Henry Slade 3/10
- Joe Marchant 8/15
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Back-three (5):
- Freddie Steward 1/50
- Jack Nowell 1/14
- Jonny May 1/9
- Tommy Freeman 3/10
- Henry Arundell 2/5
Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
NOTABLE ABSENTEES:
- Anthony Watson 5/6
- Sam Simmonds 5/6
- Jack Willis 13/10
- Ben Earl 2/1
- Danny Care 10/1
Danny Care of England arriving before the six Nations Championship match, between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 17th March 2017. (Photo:Dean Lancaster/PPAUK)
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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