Former England No.8 Zach Mercer marked his return to the Top 14 with a first-half strive towards his former employers Montpellier within the first day of the brand new home season in France on Saturday.
The 28-year-old solely wanted 25 minutes to open his account this season together with his new membership Toulon, two years after he left France to return to England with Gloucester.
This was all within the strategy of Pierre Mignoni’s aspect constructing a 24-3 half-time lead at Montpellier’s GGL Stadium.
Although the hosts fought again within the second half, it was not sufficient to keep away from a gap day 27-17 defeat, with a former house favorite in Mercer selecting up the place he left off in France.
Mercer’s two seasons in the Top 14 were hugely successful, brining Montpellier the league title and also being named the league’s player of the season.
He returned to the Gallagher PREM in 2023 prior to the World Cup, and was soon involved in an England camp under Steve Borthwick. However, he failed to make the squad for the tournament in France, and was left out of England squads thereafter.
After failing to add to the two caps he earned under Eddie Jones while a Bath participant, left England once more on the finish of final season following an injury-blighted marketing campaign.
A participant that’s massively revered in France, Mercer appears to be like to have taken no time ingratiating himself with the Stade Mayol devoted.
Mercer has joined a Toulon pack that already boasts a big English contingent, with captain David Ribbans and Lewis Ludlam each beginning, and the injured Kyle Sinckler quickly to return.
Mercer additionally got here up towards a former England No.8, Billy Vunipola, who featured within the last 20 minutes of the match.
Toulon tackle Castres subsequent week, who suffered a gap day defeat to Pau.
