England back-rower in talks to replace Zach Mercer at Gloucester
Rugby NewsSaturday, 14 September 2024 at 10:03
Gloucester are targeting Newcastle Falcons No.8 Callum Chick to fill the void left by Zach Mercer, according to rugby transfer expert Neil Fissler.
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Mercer is set to leave Kingsholm early, two years before the end of his contract, to join French Top 14 giants Toulon.
His decision comes after being overlooked for international selection by England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Chick, who has made over 130 appearances for the Falcons since joining their academy at age 12, was part of England’s 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship-winning side.
Joe Cokanasiga of England, Callum Chick of England and Jack Singleton of England during the Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on 19 June 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
He has also earned two senior England caps against the USA and Canada, and featured in the 2022 match against the Barbarians.
The 26-year-old signed a new two-year deal with Newcastle in April 2023 but will be free to move to Gloucester next summer, with talks reportedly underway about a potential switch to the West Country.
Three legendary players scrapped as pundits by BBC, younger talent hired
Heading into 2025, Gabby Logan will be leading the BBC’s coverage, with analysis and co-commentary coming from Sam Warburton, Martin Johnson, John Barclay, Jonathan Davies, and Chris Paterson. Dylan Hartley and Sergio Parisse will also feature across the broadcaster’s content.
Nigel Owens will provide analysis on officiating, and Sonja McLaughlan and Lee McKenzie will provide pitchside reporting.
Meanwhile, Andrew Cotter will lead its commentary, with Gareth Rhys Owen, Alastair Eykyn and Sara Orchard on highlights commentary.
SCRAPPED BBC PUNDITS:
#1. Andy Nicol
Tin 2023, former Scotland international Andy Nicol confirmed the Scotland game against Wales will be last match working for the broadcaster.
He wrote: "After 20 years with @BBCSport the Scotland v Wales game on Saturday will be my last on TV. It’s been a total privilege to work for the BBC on the @SixNationsRugby for so long. Thank you!:
#2. Brian Moore
"My England career began with a Calcutta Cup, and my BBC co-comms career on the Men's 6 Nations will end on Saturday with another," Moore said on Twitter in 2022.
"Thank you to all at BBC Sport, especially my mate, Eddie Butler. It's been a privilege to work on some unforgettable sporting occasions.”
He added: “I’m pleased to say I will be working on the Women’s 6 Nations coverage. My commitment to women’s rugby goes back as far as 1991, helping the England forwards. Women’s rugby is the key to sustaining all rugby long term, and I’m proud to still be involved.”
#3. Jeremy Guscott
The former England centre will no longer feature in the coverage, which he has been a part of since the turn of the millennium, having decided to focus on other business interests.
#4. John Inverdale
Anchorman Invrdale has also retired from the BBC’s slimmed-down production, with the terrestrial broadcaster now showing just one game per weekend.
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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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