Former skipper is released

Guy Mercer has been released by Bath Rugby with two years left to run on his contract. The 28-year-old back-rower is now a free agent. Mercer came through the academy ranks and made 123 senior appearances for the Blue, Black and White. He was Todd Blackadder’s club skipper for the 2016/17 season but went out on loan to Ospreys for the whole of 2017/18. Blackadder said: “We have an extremely deep and talented range of players in the back row and it was clear that time on the pitch would be limited. “We’d like to thank Guy for the immense contribution he’s made during his time with the club. Not only has he captained the team, he’s been hugely influential passing on his experience to an exciting crop of talent coming through in his position.” Mercer said: “I have had an incredible time with Bath Rugby and want to thank the players, staff and friends of the club that have made that possible.” Mercer grew up in Bath and went to King Edward School in the city before joining the academy. He graduated to the first-team squad for the 2011/12 season; having made his first Premiership start against Wasps in 2010. Mercer became club captain in the summer of 2016 when Todd Blackadder and Tabai Matson arrived from Crusaders. The following season he only made two Premiership starts and four appearances off the bench as he found himself behind Francois Louw and Tom Ellis for the number-seven shirt, as well as David Denton when he was fit, but was still offered a three-year deal, however. Having returned from the Ospreys he had been hoping to reestablish himself at Bath, but it wasn’t to be.