Zach Mercer has put an end to speculations surrounding a potential return to France, dispelling rumours that gained traction after being overlooked by England head coach Steve Borthwick for the second time in six months.
The Cherry and Whites welcomed Mercer in the summer, signing him on a four-year deal with hopes of enhancing his international credentials, especially after earning two caps with the England team.
Mercer had attracted attention from former England boss Eddie Jones during his successful stint in France with Montpellier. However, by the time Mercer made the move to England, Jones had departed.
While Mercer was called up to train with the national team in preparation for the World Cup, he was unexpectedly cut from the squad early in the process, surprising many outside the camp. Mercer has openly expressed his disappointment, stating that he believes he didn’t get a fair opportunity and would be devastated if he couldn’t add more England caps to his tally.
With Mercer’s discontent regarding his England situation widely known, recent rumors started circulating following a report in Midi Olympique suggesting interest from Racing 92, Toulon, and his former club Montpellier in signing him. However, Mercer has now firmly put those rumours to rest, signaling his commitment to the current chapter of his rugby career.
Speaking to The Rugby Pod from his holiday in Teneriffe, Mercer said: “In regards to the rumours, they were bound to come out at some point with me not getting picked for the World Cup or the Six Nations, I feel they were always going to come back out that I was going to try and go back to France.
“But I can put that to bed now and I am committed to being at Gloucester. I have got another three years left there so I want to have a crack there.
“We have got a chance of winning some silverware this season, obviously not the Premiership but we will try and fight and get up the table in that, but in the European Challenge Cup and Prem Cup we have a chance to win something.”
Gavin Henson has been voted the biggest waste of talent in rugby history
Talent alone will not guarantee a fulfilled rugby playing career. Combining that talent with mental fortitude is imperative.
Many have lacked that trait and for all the talent they had, their careers never reached the astronomical heights of super stardom or even rugby immortality as some had envisioned.
Others had their promising careers cut short by unforeseeable circumstances.
Here are the 5 most wasted talents in world rugby history.
#5. Rupeni Caucaunibuca – Fiji
The Fijian wing possessed magical skills that allowed him to score incredible tries effortlessly, but he struggled to adapt to life outside his Pacific island paradise. Despite his imposing size, comparable to a prop, he was lightning-fast with a 100m time of 10.4 seconds and possessed the agility of a tightrope walker.
He could bulldoze his way through defenders, outrun them with incredible speed, or delicately tiptoe along the touchline.
Caucau’s exceptional talent earned him a spot in any all-time Super Rugby top ten tries compilation. During his heyday with the Auckland Blues, even renowned players such as Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, and Carlos Spencer played second fiddle to him.
However, Caucau was not without his flaws, sometimes displaying ill-discipline and disorganization. He did not prioritize training, lost his passport more than once, and frequently let down both his club and his country.