All Black Nepo Laulala among 12 leavers confirmed by Gloucester

All Blacks star Nepo Laulala’s disappointing one-season stay at Gloucester will shortly be over after the 53-cap prop was named as one of 12 first-team leavers by the West Country club.

Laulala overcame the serious Achilles injury that blighted his time at Toulouse to earn a deal with the Cherry & Whites, but the 34-year-old has not had the impact desired at Kingsholm, making only 10 appearances in all competitions.

Gloucester will have another prop slot to fill with the news that Russian Kirill Gotovtsev has decided to retire. Gotovtsev joined the club in 2021 and pulled on a Cherry and White jersey 87 times, making him the second-most experienced player to depart after Matías Alemanno.

The Pumas international will depart the club following this weekend’s fixture at home to Newcastle, which could mark his 100th appearance for Gloucester if selected.

As previously announced, Cam Jordan will move north this summer to join Newcastle Red Bulls, bringing to a close his Gloucester career after 77 appearances, while  academy graduate Jake Morris is the other player with 50+ caps to be on his way.

Other departing first-team players include Josh Basham, Jono Benz-Salomon, Hugh Bokenham, Will Butler, Archie McArthur, Rob Russell and Saracens-bound Tomos Williams.

George Dufty, Ollie Minnis, Dan O’Reilly, Rhys Price, Dan Owen, Pete Paramore, Rio Ebanks and Freddie Stevens have been released from the academy.

“With a number of new faces joining us for next season, across the first team and a fresh academy intake, it’s inevitable that some players will be moving on at the end of this campaign,” said head coach George Skivington.

“I’d like to thank every player who is leaving the club for their commitment and contribution during their time at Kingsholm. They’ve all played their part, whether that’s across a number of seasons or during a shorter spell, and they leave with our very best wishes for the future.

“It’s always a difficult time saying goodbye, particularly to those who have been with us for several years, and I know our supporters will join us in thanking them for everything they’ve given in Cherry & White.”

Departures (first team appearances):
Matías Alemanno (99)
Josh Basham (13)
Jono Benz Salomon (7)
Hugh Bokenham (8)
Will Butler (18)
Kirill Gotovtsev (87)
Cam Jordan (77)
Nepo Laulala (10)
Archie McArthur (18)
Jake Morris (54)
Rob Russell (5)
Tomos Williams (32)

Academy departures:
Rio Ebanks (1)
George Dufty (1)
Ollie Minnis (1)
Dan O’Reilly
Dan Owen
Rhys Price (4)
Pete Paramore (1)
Freddie Stevens (4)