British and Irish Lion and South African stars among 19 players leaving Premiership side

Gloucester have confirmed 19 players will leave the club at the end of the season, including the likes of British and Irish Lions Test star Chris Harris and South African enforcer Ruan Ackermann.

George Skivington’s side have already announced the exits of Charlie Chapman, Christian Wade, Gareth Anscombe and Santi Carreras, however, the departures of Harris, Ackermann and fellow Cherry and White centurion Freddie Clarke will come as a surprise.

Ackermann has been linked with a return to his native South Africa in recent months, while Harris has been touted for a switch to the Top 14.

Elsewhere, Zach Mercer’s long-rumoured exit has also now been confirmed, with the number eight understood to be returning to France to join Toulon.

Gloucester announce 19 first-team departures ahead of next season

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

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“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.”

Also included in the list of players leaving Gloucester are Albert Tuisue, Mayco Vivas, Morgan Nelson, Louis Hillman-Cooper and Alfie Petch.

Senior academy players Morgan Adderly-Jones, Ioan Jones, Gareth Blackmore and Rory Taylor will also depart Kingsholm, alongside dual-registered players Aristot Benz-Salomon and Matty Ward, who also represent Hartpury in the Championship.

Gloucester have already announced a host of new signings for next season though, including the likes of Jack Innard, Will Trenholm, Jack Mann and Ben Redshaw.

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