Gloucester has confirmed that Mariano Galarza has joined Bordeaux-Begles with immediate effect.
The 31-year-old Argentinian international is currently in his fifth season with Gloucester Rugby, having moved down the M5 from Worcester Warriors, and has made 62 competitive appearances for the Cherry and Whites.
One particular highlight of his time at Kingsholm was the part he played in Gloucester Rugby lifting the European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2015.
📋 NEWS@MT_galarza to leave @gloucesterrugby to join @UBBrugby in the French Top 14 with immediate effect. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future and would like to thank him for his efforts in Cherry and White. https://t.co/gViUyRvfRH
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) October 4, 2018
However, an opportunity has now risen for Galarza to move to the Stade Chaban-Delmas and the club did not want to stand in his way as explained Director of Rugby David Humphreys:
“Mariano has been a terrific servant for Gloucester Rugby, an excellent player, a popular member of the squad and a great club man.
“However, we feel that second row will be a real area of strength for us this season, especially when Tom Savage returns from injury and Franco Mostert arrives. So, the opportunity for Mariano to play his club rugby in France and to experience a new culture is a good one for him.
“I’d like to thank Mariano for his efforts during his time with Gloucester Rugby and, on behalf of everyone at the club, wish him all the very best for the future.”