England outcast Zach Mercer visits French giants’ grounds ahead of potential move

Fresh reports of Zach Mercer departing Gloucester have re-emerged as the English back-rower continues to weigh up a return to the Top 14.

The Cherry and Whites number eight returned to the Premiership this season after a successful stint with Montpellier where he won the French Top 14 in 2022.

He was named Player of the Year for his efforts and despite signing a long-term deal with Gloucester upon his return to England, he has regularly been linked with a move back to France.

Toulon launch a bid to sign Zach Mercer

Mercer returned to England in an attempt to revive his Test career and add to his two international caps but has been overlooked by head coach Steve Borthwick who only invited the number eight to one training camp before the World Cup.

After being snubbed for the 2024 Six Nations, reports emerged that Top 14 clubs were monitoring his situation in the Premiership, with Gloucester said to have slapped a £1 million price tag to buy him out of his contract – reportedly a three-year deal with an option of an additional season.

In March, Montpellier were believed to be keen to bring him back to France but were rebuffed by Mercer and have since reportedly signed Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola instead.

However, Toulon’s interest in Mercer has not died down since March with SportsMail reporting that he visited the club’s facilities this week following the conclusion of Gloucester’s season.

The report stated that the 26-year-old is committed to another season with Gloucester before returning to France but that would still require Toulon to pay a hefty fee to buy him out of the remainder of his contract.

Mercer has been overlooked by Borthwick once again ahead of the upcoming tour to New Zealand as he was not invited to any of the preparation camps as the England boss favours the likes of Ben Earl, Tom Willis, Alex Dombrandt and potentially Tom Curry who has returned from injury.

Ranked: The 20 best Premiership signings of the 2023/24 season

Ruan Ackermann rumours persist

If reports are to be believed, Gloucester could also lose fellow back-rower Ruan Ackermann who has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Kingsholm.

He expressed a desire to return to South Africa but could now be heading to Japan despite signing a contract extension with Gloucester recently.

READ MORE: Gloucester issue 13-word statement on Ruan Ackermann rumours