Planet Rugby recaps some of the top stories of the day involving Billy Twelvetrees, Stuart McInally, Anthony Watson, Dave Kearney and more.
Billy Twelvetrees to leave Gloucester
Gloucester announced that centre Billy Twelvetrees will leave the club at the end of this season.
The 34-year-old has spent the last 11 years at the Cherry and Whites and will ’embark on a new challenge’ next season, the club confirmed.
The former England and Lions centre has made over 270 appearances for Gloucester since joining Leicester Tigers in 2012.
“I’m extremely thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to play for such a prestigious club for the last 11 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Twelvetrees said.
“What makes this club special is the people and the fans. From Shaun the kitman, to Chef, to Martin and Judith St. Quinton, who have given me the opportunity to play here for so many years, this club is all about the people.
“I’ve made some friends for life, and that’s why I love rugby so much, and I can’t wait for my next chapter in rugby.”
🗣 "I've just loved being at a club that is all about the people…"
Billy Twelvetrees will leave for a new challenge at the end of the season but what an impact he's had in Cherry & White. 🍒
Watch the full interview 👉 https://t.co/F4xEqeuvID pic.twitter.com/pKVdkcSRFt
— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) April 19, 2023
While Gloucester did not confirm what Twelvetrees’ ‘new challenge’ would be, he has been linked with a move to the Ealing Trailfinders.
Saracens chase Anthony Watson, while Billy Vunipola to stay – report
The Telegraph reports that Saracens have emerged as a potential destination for Leicester Tigers’ back Anthony Watson.
The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Castres next season but could head to Saracens if he opts to stay in the Premiership.
According to the report, Saracens are also set to retain Billy Vunipola’s services despite interest from France and Japan. This could mean veterans Sean Maitland, Duncan Taylor and Jackson Wray leave at the end of the season.
Dave Kearney and Adam Byrne off to the MLR?
Leinster veteran Dave Kearney has been linked with a move to Major League Rugby’s newest franchise, the Chicago Hounds, and his former teammate Adam Byrne could follow.
Connacht confirmed that Byrne would leave the province at the end of the season, and Kearney is set to do the same at Leinster.
Rob and Dave Kearney are founding members of the new MLR side, so Dave continuing his career at the team is no surprise, but the 42.ie reports that Byrne will follow him.
Stuart McInally to pursue pilot career
Edinburgh and Scotland hooker Stuart McInally will hang up his boots in November to pursue a career as a pilot.
The 47-Test cap international is one of Edinburgh’s longest-serving players. He joined the academy in 2009 and made his senior debut a year later.
He currently holds a Private Pilot’s License but aims to become a commercial airline pilot.
The hooker will play his final game for Edinburgh this weekend, featuring in his 177th game for the club in his 12th and final season.
McInally finishes his time at Edinburgh as the club’s sixth most-capped player behind Allan Jacobsen (273), Chris Paterson (205), Ross Ford (199), Grant Gilchrist (188) and WP Nel (186).
“It was really tough knowing this was the moment to move on. I always thought it would be really easy to retire because I’ve always known what I want to do after rugby – become a pilot – but stepping away from the club I love is massive, and it’s been a huge decision,” McInally said.
“However, I feel ready, and this is such an exciting opportunity. I drive under a flight path every morning on my journey into BT Murrayfield and so often see planes landing at Edinburgh Airport. I start to think, ‘what is the pilot seeing’ ‘how are they adapting’ – and that itself gets me excited for the next steps in my career.
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“While I’m obviously sad to be moving on, this decision has really been 10 years in the making. I started flying back in 2013, and a lot of work has gone in to get to this point. I’m now massively excited to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot.”
✈️🙏 Hanging up his boots to earn his wings.
Part 1⃣: @McInallyStuart sits down at @EDI_Airport to discuss hanging up his boots while reflecting on his best moments in the Edinburgh jersey. pic.twitter.com/bCVExqukzd
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) April 19, 2023
Tom Collins to leave Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints wing Tom Collins will leave the Premiership club at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 28-year-old made his debut for the side back in 2013 and has gone on to make 144 appearances so far, scoring 48 tries along the way.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time at the club, it’s been amazing for me, and I’m very grateful to all the people I have played alongside and those who have enabled me to play rugby at the highest level,” said Collins.
Four players to depart Harlequins
Harlequins confirmed that four players will depart the club at the end of the 2022/23 season. Back-row Viliami Taulani, scrum-half Jack Stafford, wing Conor Oresanya and prop Rhys Litterick will all leave the Famous Quarters.
Head coach Tabai Matson commented: “Viliami, Jack, Conor and Rhys have been excellent during their time at the club, and I have no doubt they will continue to succeed going forward. We would like to wish all four players every success for their futures beyond this season and thank them for their service and dedication to the Quins shirt.”
Trio re-sign with Scarlets
Scarlets backs Joe Roberts, Ioan Nicholas and Eddie James have all signed new deals, committing their futures to the club.
The trio all came through the club’s academy system, with Roberts racking up 23 appearances for the side since debuting in 2020.
Nicholas became the youngest player to represent the Scarlets when he made his debut at the age of 17 years and 134 days in a pre-season friendly against Jersey in August 2015. He has since played 69 times for the region.
20-year-old James made his debut against Glasgow Warriors in February and earned his first URC start against Glasgow last weekend.