Lion one of 7 internationals leaving Gloucester in 19-player exodus

Gloucester have confirmed that 19 players will leave Kingsholm at the end of the season, including seven internationals.

The departure of Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe, England wing Christian Wade and Argentina full-back Santiago Carreras had already been confirmed, but the club have announced that yet more internationals will be on their way out.

Carreras will be joined by compatriot Mayco Vivas in leaving, as well as Fiji No.8 Albert Tuisue, and Scotland and 2021 British and Irish Lions centre Chris Harris, who is in high demand across the Gallagher Premiership. After months of anticipation, the Cherry and Whites have finally confirmed the departure of England No.8 Zach Mercer, who is expected to return to the Top 14.

Club stalwarts Freddie Clarke, Ruan Ackermann and the Exeter Chiefs-bound Charlie Chapman are also members of the exodus, as well as Morgan Nelson, Louis Hillman-Cooper and Alfie Petch.

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The cohort is completed by senior academy players Morgan Adderly-Jones, Ioan Jones, Gareth Blackmore and Rory Taylor, Aristot Benz-Salomon and Matty Ward.

With two games remaining this season, Gloucester are still in the hunt for a top four place despite their recent loss to Harlequins. With fixtures against Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints at Kingsholm to come, and the club currently sat in sixth place – three points behind fourth-placed Sale Sharks – there is still a chance that these players will be able to extend their Gloucester careers by reaching the play-offs.

“With several exciting new arrivals coming in for next season, inevitably, there are several players moving on from the club this summer,” said Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington.

“I’d like to thank every one of the players departing for their time here at Kingsholm and wish them all the best for the future.

“We have a tight group here, so it’s always an emotional time to see people move on, but we do so knowing it’s in the best interests of the club and themselves.

“I know supporters will be particularly sad to see some of the more experienced heads, such as Chris, Ruan and Freddie go, and I hope they join us at Kingsholm against Northampton to give them a big send-off.”