England eight Zach Mercer speaks out about his ‘anger’ after World Cup snub

Gloucester forward Zach Mercer says that he was ‘shocked’ by the manner in which he was released from England’s Rugby World Cup squad.

The number eight was back in contention for England after signing a deal with Gloucester to return to the Premiership from Montpellier ahead of the World Cup.

While Mercer was included in Steve Borthwick’s early squads to prepare for the tournament, he was a notable omission from the official 41-man England training squad.

The 26-year-old was in stellar form before then, helping Montpellier clinch the Top 14 title in 2022 and was named the Top 14 Player of the Season after doing so.

“I didn’t ever think that I was guaranteed”

His form with the French outfit had many predicting that he would be a starter in Borthwick’s pack, but that did not materialise, which left fans, pundits and the man himself stunned.

“It shocked me, definitely,” Mercer told Sports Mail.

“I didn’t ever think that I was guaranteed to go to a World Cup, but I wanted to have a chance.

“I hadn’t been in the international environment for two years so it was all a new environment for me, but it was tough to take.

“I just don’t think Steve felt it was the right time for me, and whether I agree or disagree with him, that is part and parcel of rugby.”

It was a harsh blow for Mercer, who had not been given the opportunity to play a Test for England before he was dropped from the squad.

However, he is not giving up on his dream to represent England again, particularly with the Six Nations fast approaching.

“There is a Six Nations coming up, and I’m fit and back playing now, so we’ll just see what happens,’ he added. “I haven’t heard from Steve, but I’ve just been focused on getting myself back out there. There are a lot of good No 8s playing well in the Premiership so it’s going to be a battle again.”

Postives from the negative

While the number eight was disappointed by his omission, he does look back at that period positively as he was there to witness his the birth of his first child.

“I look back at it in a positive way; that I was there for the birth of my child and there as she started to grow up,” Mercer said.

“If I was at the World Cup, I would have missed the first three months of her life. It was amazing to be at home with my wife and baby, and it was a massive, positive distraction while the World Cup was going on.

“When I was released from the England camp, at the time, I felt disappointment, upset and a bit of anger too. But straight away, I had to switch into trying to be a good husband and dad.”

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