Gloucester Rugby has announced the signing of Zach Mercer and Max Llewellyn ahead of the 2023/24 season, as the club looks to strengthen its squad following the departure of several high-profile players.
Mercer, a talented Number 8, currently plays for Montpellier in the Top 14 league, and Llewellyn, a former Wales U20 centre, joins from Cardiff. In addition, Jack Reeves and Jacob Morris will be promoted to the first team squad, demonstrating Gloucester’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Mercer, who was born in Leeds, has had an impressive career so far, with two caps for the England national team and 17 caps for England U20, including 10 as captain. He made a name for himself in France over the past year, helping Montpellier secure their first-ever Top 14 title.
Max Llewellyn, a 6ft 5in centre, is seen as a long-term replacement for Mark Atkinson, a powerhouse in Gloucester’s backline who is approaching the twilight of his career. Llewellyn, a former Wales U20 player, brings size and skill to the midfield, and his signing adds depth and potential to Gloucester’s backline options.
The promotion of Jack Reeves and Jacob Morris to the first team squad is a testament to Gloucester’s commitment to developing young talent from within the club.
While Gloucester Rugby is welcoming new additions to the squad, the club is also set to lose several first team players, including some legends of the game. The departures will present both challenges and opportunities for Gloucester as they look to rebuild and continue their pursuit of success on the pitch.
GLOUCESTER’S FOUR DEPARTURES:
Tom Seabrook to Northampton Saints
The 23-year-old will arrive at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens this summer from Gloucester Rugby, where he progressed through the academy system while also enjoying a stint with Championship side Hartpury University.
Seabrook broke a Gallagher Premiership record back in May 2018, when he scored the fastest try on league debut for the Cherry and Whites against Saracens – crossing the whitewash in just 58 seconds.
He has gone on to score nine more tries in 61 appearances in all competitions for Gloucester, and while he can also line up in the centres when required, Seabrook is relishing the prospect of joining the men in Black, Green and Gold’s stable of back-three players.
“One of the most exciting things about moving to Northampton is the way that the team plays,” Seabrook said. “It’s a really attractive style of rugby, with Saints always topping the charts in line breaks and tries scored.
“As an outside back, that’s something that really appeals to me, and speaking to the coaches there, I know they have the confidence in me to really kick on as a player in the years ahead.
“I’ve played up at Franklin’s Gardens a few times already and I love the ground – it’s a fast pitch, which I hope will suit me, and a fantastic atmosphere walking through the Fan Village before the games, as you’re right in the mix with the supporters.
“The Club’s training facilities are spot on as well, so I’m really excited to get started in the summer. I feel like I am ready to take the next step in my career, and Saints feels like the perfect environment to do so with the players and staff already on board.”