Mercer named in Barbarians squad to face All Blacks

» INCOMING Gloucester signing Zach Mercer has been named in the Barbarians squad for the Killik Cup match against an All Blacks XV at Tottenham in November.

Former Bath player Mercer has been a star of the French Top 14 since joining Montpellier a year ago, helping them win the title, and is set to return to England with Gloucester ahead of the 2023-24 season.

On representing the Barbarians, who recorded back-to-back wins over England and Spain during the summer, Mercer said: “I cannot wait to be pulling on that famous shirt in November.

“Playing for the Barbarians is something you dream of as a player - not just the matchday experience but the legendary players and coaches you work with, as well as the lifelong friendships you form.” GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY’S Natasha Hunt scored the opening try as England Women continued their build-up to next month’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand with an eight-try victory over the United States at Exeter.

Scrum-half Hunt got the first score after five minutes, and two minutes later Jess Breach raced 60 metres to cross.

Amy Cokayne powered over before Claudia Macdonald and Breach made it 33-0 at half-time.

Macdonald and Cokayne added their second tries before Hope Rogers got the visitors on the board.

The US were awarded a penalty try before England managed an eighth try through ex-gloucesterhartpury winger Ellie Kildunne.

England complete their preparations against Wales at Ashton Gate on Wednesday before their trip to New Zealand.

» GLOUCESTER-BORN Alex Davis skippers the England men’s squad at the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in South Africa this weekend.

The tournament begins on Friday and Tony Roques’ side kick off their campaign against either Ireland or

Portugal in the round of 16.

Cheltenham-born former Gloucester youngster Calum Randle is also in the squad.

Meanwhile, the women’s squad sees ex-hartpury students Abbie Brown and Megan Jones co-captain the group.

They take on Spain in their opening round of 16 match with Gloucester-hartpury’s Alicia Maude included in the squad along with another ex-hartpury student, Jade Shekells.

The Wales squad includes Iwan Pyrs Jones of Gloucesterhartpury. They play Korea on Friday and if successful will face Fiji on Saturday.