Gloucester Rugby have confirmed that 19 players will depart the club at the end of the season, including six key members of the squad who are now seeking new opportunities.
In addition to the previously confirmed senior departures, club centurions Chris Harris, Ruan Ackermann, and Freddie Clarke will also leave Kingsholm this summer, each moving on after more than five years in Cherry & White.
Director of Rugby George Skivington addressed the upcoming player departures and expressed confidence that this summer’s new arrivals will strengthen the squad ahead of next season.
“With several exciting new arrivals coming in for next season, inevitably, there are several players moving on from the Club this summer,” he said to the Gloucester Rugby website.
“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 interest 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.”
Players released: Freddie Clarke, Charlie Chapman, Ruan Ackermann, Chris Harris, Santiago Carreras, Albert Tuisue, Louis Hillman Cooper, Morgan Adderly Jones, Mayco Vivas, Ioan Jones, Rory Taylor, Morgan Nelson,Alfie Petch, Christian Wade, Gareth Anscombe, Gareth Blackmor, Zach Mercer, Aristot Benz Salomon, Matty Ward
