Zach Mercer was recently a guest on The Rugby Pod, where he discussed all things France and England rugby with hosts Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton. Besides giving his own thoughts on the Henry Arundell saga, Mercer was just as happy to discuss his own England journey and the prospects that now lie before him.
Speaking about his recent international selection disappointment, Mercer said:
“It was a tough one to take. I’ve been very vocal on that on that side of it and some people agree with it some people don’t. It was really frustrating coming back from Montpellier to try to have a crack at the World Cup and I didn’t feel like I was given an opportunity really to have a go at that, and then obviously I missed out on the Six Nations.
“At the moment my head is just purely on Gloucester. If I keep worrying about it then it won’t do my mental health any good if you keep thinking you’re almost gonna be there but you’re not.
“[I’ve] just said ‘Right I’m nowhere near the international scene so let’s just accept that and let’s just accept where I am right now and just enjoy my holiday here with my wife and kid and then obviously play for Gloucester.”
GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Zach Mercer of Gloucester celebrates winning a penalty during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Northampton Saints at Kingsholm Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Explaining why England head coach Steve Borthwick chose not to pick him, Mercer added:
“The balance of the back row didn’t really fit me in here and obviously I disagreed with him but it was it was a very like constructive conversation. It wasn’t one sided, or I just accept it and he just accepts it. We had a bit of a debate which is always good.
“I wouldn’t say I’m far away from the squad, but I don’t really know where I started in that pecking order at the moment but like I said it doesn’t it doesn’t really fuss me at the moment.
“If I don’t play for England again then obviously I’ll be devastated. But I’ve done it twice already so no one take that away from me.”
His omission from the England squad sent around plenty of rumours suggesting that Mercer was ticked off enough to head back to France – with half of the Top 14 clubs vying for his signature.
Mercer has shut these rumours down, however, claiming his biggest reason for moving back to England was to bring his child up with the support of family around them – with Gloucester being close to his partners family.
“I’m committed to being at Gloucester” Mercer said, “I’ve got another three years that’s down there so I wanna have a crack there and we really have a chance of winning some silverware this season.”
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