England star who was bombed out by Steve Borthwick after three weeks reveals reason
Yesterday at 02:48 PM
Zach Mercer returned to England with high hopes, signing for Gloucester after a stellar stint at Montpellier, where he lifted the Top 14 title.
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But despite spending three weeks in England’s training camp ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the powerful number eight never even got a shot to prove himself.
"I was really disappointed with that"
Mercer didn't hold back when reflecting on his treatment.
"To come back and get given three weeks in a training camp, and that was it; I was really disappointed with that," he admitted.
"I've been open with Steve; I've told him my opinions on it. I thought I haven't really been given a crack, and to not even be given a game to try and prove myself is tough."
Borthwick wasn't buying it
Mercer was blunt in his assessment of where he stands under Borthwick.
"I just don't feel like he values what I can offer as a player, and that's me being honest," Mercer said.
"Obviously, I don't fit into the system that he wants to run, and whether I agree with that or not, it is what it is."
Borthwick's cold response? Deal with it
Borthwick didn't mince his words when addressing Mercer's omission.
"We've highlighted areas where players have done well and the areas where they bring a point of difference. It's a competitive arena."
Mercer's frustration is clear, but for Borthwick, it seems like a case of adapt or move on.
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Freddie Steward – The rock-solid fullback cast aside
It wasn't long ago that Freddie Steward was considered a guaranteed starter for England. A defensive rock under the high ball and a reliable last line of defence, he played a crucial role in England's World Cup campaign.
Yet, in a shocking turn of events, Borthwick has axed him in favour of Marcus Smith—a player who isn't even a specialist fullback. This drastic move highlights just how far Steward has fallen in the pecking order. Nobody saw this coming.
Zach Mercer – From France's best to England's forgotten man
Zach Mercer's return to the Premiership was met with serious hype. After being named Top 14 Player of the Year at Montpellier, it seemed inevitable that he would finally be given a proper shot in an England jersey.
A call-up to a World Cup training camp suggested Borthwick was keen to reintegrate him, but Mercer never added to his two caps. His stint at Gloucester has been frustrating, and with reports suggesting he'll leave at the end of the season, his England career looks all but over.
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