Trinder’s time at Kingsholm is at an end
He’s been a wonderful servant to this Club, and whilst we are sad to see Henry move on, we are also excited for him and his young family ALEX BROWN, CEO
GLOUCESTER Rugby have confirmed that Henry Trinder will leave Kingsholm to take up an opportunity to play for RC Vannes in France.
Trinder, 31, originally made his debut in Cherry & White against Sale Sharks in 2008 and, 13 years later, the centre has made 172 appearances, and scored 46 tries for the club.
Trinder came through the academy ranks at Kingsholm with the likes of Jonny May and Charlie Sharples and went on to represent England at U20, the England Saxons, as well as playing for England against the Barbarians.
His time at the club has been hindered by a number of injury setbacks and he celebrated his testimonial year during the 2019-20 season dubbed the ‘Trindermonial’, raising money for the Pied Piper Appeal.
His new club, Brittany-based RC Vannes currently sit second in the French Pro D2, chasing promotion to the Top 14, and Gloucester’s chief operating officer Alex Brown said Trinder was excited to tackle a fresh challenge in north-west France.
“I’ve personally had the pleasure of knowing Henry for a very long time, and for a large part of his journey with Gloucester Rugby.
“He has been a wonderful servant to this Club, and whilst we are sad to see Henry move on, we are also excited for him and his young family.
“It goes without saying that Henry has given a huge amount of his life to this club and has left many of us with fond memories of seeing his magic on the pitch at Kingsholm.
“We’d like to wish Henry and his family the very best of luck for their new adventure in France.”
Leinster will face La Rochelle in the Heineken Champions Cup semifinals on the weekend of April 30 to May 2.
The Irish province advanced to the last four after dethroning holders Exeter 34-24 at Sandy Park on Saturday and their prize is a challenging clash with the Top 14’s secondplaced team.
La Rochelle, who are coached by Munster great Ronan O’Gara, overwhelmed Sale 45-21 at the Stade Marcel Deflandre to secure their place in the penultimate phase and help ensure there was no English representation.
The second semi-final sees Toulouse taken on Bordeaux-Begles, with the countries and venues for the matches to be announced at a later date.
In the Challenge Cup semi-finals, Leicester meet Ulster and Bath take on Montpellier.
Former Scotland scrum coach Massimo Cuttitta has died aged 54.
He had been admitted to hospital in Rome with Covid-19, the Scottish Rugby Union said in a post on its official Twitter account.
“Scottish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear the passing of our former Scotland scrum coach Massimo Cuttitta,” the statement read.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends in rugby at this time.”
The Italian rugby federation confirmed his death on Sunday evening.
Cuttitta played 70 times for Italy between 1990 and 2000 and captained the Azzurri on 22 occasions.
He spent time playing for Harlequins and served as Scotland’s scrum coach for six years from 2009.