Zach Mercer has launched a scathing attack on England boss Steve Borthwick after being brutally overlooked – and he’s not holding back.
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The Gloucester powerhouse, who many believed deserved a shot in England’s back row, has revealed his deep frustration at being cast aside, despite training with the squad ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
But when it came to final selections? Borthwick shut the door—and it hasn’t reopened since.
“I’m older, I’m more mature. Right now, I’ve parked international rugby. I’m done with it—for the time being at least. My focus is on Gloucester,” said a clearly disillusioned Mercer.
The 26-year-old didn’t mince his words, accusing Borthwick of failing to see his worth—and not giving him a fair shot to prove himself.
“I was in a three-week camp. Then… nothing. No game. No real chance. I was gutted, to be honest,” he added.
Mercer confirmed he’s spoken to Borthwick directly—and made his feelings crystal clear.
“I’ve been honest with Steve. I don’t think he values what I bring. That’s just how I feel.”
And in another bombshell twist, Mercer’s time at Kingsholm is now coming to an early end. It’s been confirmed he’ll leave Gloucestera year ahead of schedule, with a move to French giants Toulon in the works.
Another England talent heading overseas—left wondering what might have been.
Lions WAG’s
Here’s a look at some of the partners of the England, Irish and Scottish stars likely to be packing their passports — and maybe a Lions bucket hat or two…
Scotland:
Nika van der Merwe – Married to the Big Man (Duhan van der Merwe)
Nika and powerhouse wing Duhan van der Merwe tied the knot in sunny South Africa back in January 2023. She turned heads in a chic fitted gown with a thigh-high split, topped off with a glam studded cape — a wedding as bold as Duhan’s sidestep.
Emma Canning – Heptathlete and Super Mum (Finn Russell)
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Emma and magician-in-boots Finn Russell, but the pair are back stronger than ever and now proud parents to two daughters: Charlie and Skye.
Emma knows the pressure of elite sport first-hand — she’s a heptathlete, battling across seven gruelling events. Now she balances it all with family life and Finn’s erratic brilliance.
Annabel Jones – Puppy Love and Ibiza Vibes (Huw Jones)
Huw Jones and Annabel said “I do” in Ibiza back in July 2022 after meeting in Glasgow. Huw’s not afraid to show his romantic side, often calling Annabel his “everything.”
When an injury sidelined him during the 2019 Six Nations, she bought him a fluffy Maltese poodle named Louis — his furry lockdown lifesaver.
Dina Celina – Nutrition Queen and Future Mrs Kinghorn (Blair Kinghorn)
Blair Kinghorn popped the question to nutritionist Dina during a dreamy weekend at Gleneagles in 2023 — wedding bells will ring this August after the tour wraps.
The couple made an appearance inSix Nations: Full Contacton Netflix, with viewers spotting Blair stepping in at fly-half when Finn Russell was sidelined. Dina’s backstage support? Rock solid.
