England: Zach Mercer hopes for World Cup opportunity after stunning first season at Montpellier

Colin Newboult

June 24, 2022, Saint-Denis, France, France: Zach MERCER of Montpellier during the Final TOP 14 match between Castres Olympique and Montpellier Herault Rugby at Stade de France on June 24, 2022 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire)

Montpellier number eight Zach Mercer says that he would relish the chance to represent England at the next World Cup, but is not willing to give up his French sojourn just yet.

The back-row moved to the Top 14 outfit from Bath at the start of the season and has enjoyed a superb first campaign at the club.

Mercer has played the majority of their league games and won the man of the match award in their 29-10 victory over Castres in the final.

Some believe that England head coach Eddie Jones should try and bring him home in time for the showpiece event, but the 24-year-old insists that he will remain in France for the time being.

Sacrificed international honours

“I’ll always be interested in playing at the Rugby World Cup,” Mercer told reporters. “If that opportunity arose it would be outstanding. I can’t play for England while I’m in France, I’ve taken that sacrifice.”

Mercer was one of those to lose his England place following that ill-fated clash with Japan in 2018, a match the Red Rose won 35-15.

The number eight is in the type of form which would ordinarily earn an recall but he is unavailable due to playing outside of the Premiership.

For him to return to the national set-up the back-row has to sign for an English team, but Mercer’s main target is helping Montpellier to retain their French title next season.

“I’m here to stay and I’m going to fight for it again,” he said. “Whatever happens internationally will happen. I wish the lads well in Australia and I’ll be watching that.”

Top performer

Mercer has been one of the top performers in France this season and says the freedom he has been given from the coaches has helped significantly.

“It’s nice to be top of stats but if I was top of the stats and didn’t win this then I wouldn’t be interested,” he added.

“I think the impetus has been the backing from the coaches. They said ‘Zach, you do what you want to do’. They’ve let me play how I want to play and it’s credit to them.”

READ MORE: Montpellier claim first French championship with dominant victory over Castres