Player says he is 'done with England' after falling out with head coach Steve Borthwick
02/15/2025 03:15 PM
Gloucester back-rower Zach Mercer has hit out at England head coach Steve Borthwick after being overlooked for the Six Nations squad.
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Despite training with the England setup ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Mercer was ultimately left out of the final squad and has not been recalled since.
The 26-year-old believes Borthwick does not appreciate his potential value to the team and is frustrated by the lack of opportunities to prove himself.
"I'm older, more mature. I've put international selection aside for now—I'm done with it for the time being and just focusing on Gloucester.
"To come back, get three weeks in a training camp, and that's it—I was really disappointed."
Mercer has made his feelings clear to Borthwick, expressing his frustration at being denied a real chance to stake his claim for a place in the squad.
"I've been open with Steve and told him my opinions. I don't feel like I've really been given a crack—being left out without even a game to prove myself is tough.
"I just don't think he values what I can offer as a player. That's me being honest—I don't think he sees what I can bring."
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He made 157 appearances in Blue, Black and White over an eight-year period during his first spell at Bath before returning in 2022
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