Gloucester No.8 Zach Mercer is set for a return to France after agreeing a deal to move to Toulon – it is being reported. RugbyPass recently reported that Toulon were front-runners to land the former England back row – the only question being whether not he would leave at the end of the upcoming season or make the move immediately. Gloucestershire Live now report that Mercer has been bought out of the final two season of his four-year contract and will now play for Bernard Lemaitre’s side in the 2025/26 season.
The 27-year-old forward’s transfer marks Mercer’s return to a league where he was named Player of the Year in 2021/22 after helping Montpellier to a league title. Despite his success Mercer had returned to England in 2023 after signing a four-year contract with Gloucester in a bid to revive his international career and be closer to his wife’s family. However, despite initial interest from England’s then-head coach Eddie Jones, Mercer found himself sidelined once again after the Aussie’s departure. Gloucester’s management had reportedly been eager to resolve ongoing speculation about Mercer’s future, which had caused some disruption within the team.
The deal is expected to be formally announced by both clubs in the coming weeks. Mercer has two senior England caps and 17 England U20 appearances including 10 as captain. After leaving Bath in 2021 he played a crucial role in helping Montpellier win their first Top 14 title in 2022 with a standout performance where he scored a try and contributed to three others. The 6’3, 111kg forward was nominated for World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2017 and received his first call-up to the senior England team in the same year. He made his debut against Japan during the 2018 Autumn Internationals.
Zach Mercer’s Move to Toulon: A Sign of the Times in Rugby
The transfer of Zach Mercer to Toulon is just the latest in a long line of high-profile players moving between leagues, particularly from the Premiership to the Top 14. This trend has been driven by a number of factors, including the growing financial disparity between the two leagues and the increasing number of clubs in the Top 14 that are willing to pay large sums of money for top players. It is a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years.
The move to Toulon will give Mercer the opportunity to play for a club with a rich history and a strong tradition of success. Toulon have won the Top 14 title five times in the past decade, and they have also been a regular fixture in the Heineken Champions Cup. With a squad that includes a number of former Premiership players, including Lewis Ludlam, Kyle Sinckler, David Ribbans, Ben White and Dan Biggar, Toulon will be a formidable force in the Top 14 for the 2025/26 season. The club’s owner Bernard Lemaitre has openly expressed his admiration for Mercer’s skillset and his desire to bring him to Toulon.
Mercer’s International Future Uncertain
Mercer’s move to Toulon will undoubtedly have an impact on his international career. While he is still under contract with Gloucester for the next two seasons, it is unclear whether he will be able to force his way back into the England setup after his move to France. The move to Toulon will also give Mercer the opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage and potentially attract the attention of the England selectors once again. However, with a number of talented back-rowers competing for places in the England squad, Mercer will have to be at his best to win back a place in the team. The question of whether he will be able to re-establish himself as an England regular remains open.
A Loss for Gloucester
The departure of Mercer will be a significant loss for Gloucester. Mercer was a key player for the Cherry and Whites last season, and his absence will be felt. However, it is also a sign of the financial realities of the modern game and the allure of the Top 14 for players like Mercer. Mercer’s departure is likely to prompt further reflection on the current state of rugby in England and whether the Premiership can compete with the Top 14 in the battle for the best players. It remains to be seen what this transfer means for the future of the Premiership as a whole.
Mercer’s Next Chapter
Mercer’s move to Toulon will be a new chapter in his career. It will give him the opportunity to play for a club with a rich history and a strong tradition of success. It will also allow him to prove himself against some of the best players in the world. The move will also undoubtedly have an impact on his international career. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to force his way back into the England setup after his move to France, but he will certainly have the opportunity to make a name for himself in the Top 14.
