#2. Zach Mercer (Gloucester)
In a remarkable turn of events, Gloucester secured a historic 27-25 victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, marking their first Premiership win at the venue in over 16 years, courtesy of a late try from Stephen Varney.
Zach Mercer, having been overlooked for England’s Six Nations squad, showcased an extraordinary level of determination on the field. Despite facing initial challenges upon joining Gloucester, including a setback due to injury against Saracens, Mercer has now found his stride, reminiscent of his standout performances at Bath and Montpellier.
Mercer’s impact was undeniable, as illustrated by his pivotal try, characterized by a clever dummy move, which kickstarted Gloucester’s scoring momentum. His presence at crucial moments, coupled with his adeptness at breaking through defences and evading tackles, positioned him as Gloucester’s linchpin, particularly against one of the league’s top defensive units.