Matias Alemanno heads list of Gloucester departures

The 34-year-old has made 99 appearances for George Skivington’s side.

“Matty has been unbelievable since I brought him in right at the start of the process,” head coach Skivington said. “I have huge admiration for Matty, he is a proper warrior.”

Tomos Williams is off to Saracens and Skivington added: “Tomos has a highlight reel that will live long in the Gloucester memory. He was box-office stuff last season – he is a world-class player.”

New arrivals

Russian prop Kirill Gotovtsev will retire after 87 matches for the Cherry and Whites since joining in 2021.

Hugh Bokenham is joining Cornish Pirates, Cam Jordan is off to Newcastle, and academy graduate Jake Morris also leaves after more than five seasons of service along with Josh Basham, Jono Benz-Salomon, Will Butler, Nepo Laulala, Archie McArthur and Rob Russell.

Skivington says his squad for next season is nearly complete with arrivals including Wales forwards Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, centre Phil Cokanasiga, and scrum-half Dan Robson who is returning to the club.

“We have very little recruitment left to fill some of those gaps – we have probably done our last necessary signing,” he said.

“The summer can always be fluid, but we have done the bulk of the work already. Behind the scenes we are aligned and are in the best position we have ever been in.

“The squad signings we have made are clear intentions of what we want to be next year.”

EXIT: Gloucester lock Matias Alemanno
PICTURE: Getty Images

Toughest season

The Cherry and Whites finished last season fifth in the Prem, missing out on the play-offs on the final day, but have spent much of this campaign towards the bottom end of the division.

“It’s been the toughest season of my coaching career, without a doubt,” Skivington admitted.

“I have learned a huge amount, and that is what this season has been all about for me.

“Hopefully it’s now time to step back, evaluate what you are good at, what you want to do, and how you want to run the club.”