Twelve Gloucester First-Team Players Depart as Alemanno Heads Out

Gloucester Rugby has confirmed that Argentina international lock Matias Alemanno will be leaving the club at the end of the current season. The 34-year-old, who has donned the Cherry and White for 99 matches, is part of a significant squad overhaul, departing alongside 11 other first-team players under head coach George Skivington ahead of next season.

Skivington praised Alemanno’s impact since his arrival at the start of the rebuilding process. Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucester, the coach expressed deep respect for the veteran forward. "Matty has been unbelievable since I brought him in right at the start of the process," Skivington said. "I have huge admiration for Matty, he is a proper warrior. He has been nothing but positive here, he has never moaned once, he does what is best for the team - he just gets on with it."

Despite knowing his departure was imminent, Alemanno maintained an exemplary attitude. "He is an unbelievable character - even though he has known he is not going to be here next season has been second to none," Skivington added. "It will be a sad day when we have to say goodbye to him."

Also exiting the squad is prop Kirill Gotovtsev, who is retiring after 87 appearances since joining in 2021. Skivington highlighted Gotovtsev’s character and the humor he brought to the locker room. "Kirill is a brilliant character, and brings so much laughter and camaraderie to the building," the coach noted. "He was just honest about his body slowing up. He said to me six or seven months ago that this was the end of the ride, but he has been brilliant around the place."

The list of departures also includes several players previously announced, such as Tomos Williams, who moves to Saracens, Hugh Bokenham to the Cornish Pirates, and Cam Jordan to Newcastle. Skivington spoke highly of Williams’ recent performances. "Tomos has a highlight reel that will live long in the Gloucester memory," he said. "He was box-office stuff last season - he is a world-class player. I'm sure when he comes back we will welcome him in his own way."

Regarding Jordan, Skivington acknowledged the player's desire for more playing time elsewhere. "Cam feels that Newcastle will give him more opportunities than we can and he is one of those guys you can only wish the best to."

Academy graduate Jake Morris is also leaving after over five years with the club. "Jake has been a loyal servant to the club - he keeps turning up to training, he keeps training hard to play for Gloucester to emulate what his dad [Simon Morris] did," Skivington remarked. "He will always be welcome here."

Completing the list of first-team leavers are Josh Basham, Jono Benz-Salomon, Will Butler, Nepo Laulala, Archie McArthur, and Rob Russell. Additionally, the club confirmed that eight academy players—George Dufty, Ollie Minnis, Dan O'Reilly, Rhys Price, Dan Owen, Pete Paramore, Rio Ebanks, and Freddie Stevens—are also departing.

Skivington issued a collective thank you to the outgoing group. "I'd like to thank every player who is leaving the club for their commitment and contribution during their time at Kingsholm," he said. "They've all played their part, whether that's across a number of seasons or during a shorter spell, and they leave with our very best wishes for the future. It's always a difficult time saying goodbye, particularly to those who have been with us for several years, and I know our supporters will join us in thanking them for everything they've given in Cherry and White."

The departing players have collectively made nearly 450 appearances for Gloucester entering Saturday’s Premiership season finale. While these exits create vacancies, Skivington insists the recruitment strategy is nearly finalized. "We have very little recruitment left to fill some of those gaps - we have probably done our last necessary signing," he stated. "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."

New faces already confirmed for the 2026-27 season include center Phil Cokanasiga, along with Wales internationals Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, all arriving from Ospreys. Former academy product Dan Robson is also returning to the south-west club after an 11-year absence.

For now, the team’s focus remains on securing a top-eight finish and European qualification in their final match against Newcastle this Saturday.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 11:11:03 UTC