Mohed Altrad has his say on Zach Mercer to Gloucester speculation

Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has had his say on speculation linking Zach Mercer to a switch to Gloucester and a return to the Gallagher Premiership at the end of the 2022/23 Top 14 season in France. The No8 became a French league champion last June to cap his sensational first season across the channel following his departure from Bath.

He has since been linked with a move back to the English league so that he can become eligible for selection by Eddie Jones’ England.

Mercer won the last two of his England caps in November 2018 but he was asked by the Australian coach when they met at this year’s Heineken Champions Cup final in Marseille if he would consider quitting the Top 14 a year earlier than contracted and play in the Premiership in 2022/23. That would have freed him to be selected for the England tour to Australia in July.

Mercer, though, told the England coach that he was under contract but added that a switch was likely next June which would clear him to contest selection for the 2023 World Cup finals in France. It was last week when Midi Libre, the French newspaper that covers the Montpellier rugby beat, reported as much.

“The rumour had been circulating for several weeks and has now found a concrete echo. Zach Mercer, Top 14 superstar last season, will leave the MHR at the end of his contract next June to join Gloucester in England. According to our information, a long-term contract has been put on the table (three or four years).

“It is a logical choice for the 25-year-old back row, considered one of the best in his position since his arrival in France. If Mercer had stayed in Montpellier next season (2023/24), he would not have been able to apply for a selection with England for the World Cup in France in 2023. Given his performances in the Top 14, if he continues at such a level over the next year, there is no doubt that Eddie Jones will call on his services for the World Cup.”

Now, Montpellier owner Altrad has confirmed that the move by Mercer to Gloucester will happen. A report published on rugbyrama.fr read: “During the monthly Oscars ceremony of Midi Olympique, the president of the champions of France, Mohed Altrad, confirmed the information on the departure from Montpellier of the Englishman Zach Mercer.

“Solicited by Gloucester, who offered him a four-year contract, Mercer asked to be released from his contract by the MHR to be able to apply for the English selection for the 2023 World Cup. The back row will therefore play his last season with Montpellier this year. Mercer was considered the big revelation of the last Top 14.”