Gloucester Rugby’s bid for a third EPCR Challenge Cup title has been strengthened considerably by the acquisition of England international Zach Mercer, who can play at No.8 or on the flank.

The 26-year-old has just enjoyed two memorable seasons in France with Montpellier Hérault Rugby, reaching the knockout stage of the Heineken Champions Cup each time.

In 2021/22, with three tries in five games, he helped Montpellier qualify for the quarter-finals before they bowed out to eventual winners Stade Rochelais 31-19.

However, Leeds-born Mercer put that disappointment behind him by guiding Montpellier to the TOP 14 title and being voted Player of the Year.

Last term the back-rower also made five appearances as Montpellier came within a whisker of making the last eight again, losing to Exeter Chiefs on try count after the dramatic Round of 16 tie finished deadlocked at 33-33.

Those 10 games and three tries for Montpellier boosted his overall EPCR career tally to 29 and 10 respectively, as prior to his move to France, he had been a stalwart for Bath Rugby for five campaigns.

Mercer made his EPCR bow in the Challenge Cup against Bristol Rugby in 2016, with his maiden try in the competition following later against Pau as Bath made the semi-finals.

Bath also qualified for the last four of the Challenge Cup in Mercer’s final season with them, in 2020/21, when Bath dropped down into the competition from the Heineken Champions Cup.

In between, Mercer made 12 appearances in the Heineken Champions Cup, scoring five tries, but he never made the knockout stage of EPCR’s elite competition with Bath.

He will be looking to at least emulate his Challenge Cup achievements with Gloucester’s big rivals when they take on Black Lion, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Edinburgh Rugby and Castres Olympique in Pool 3 this coming season.

Ahead of the 2023/24 EPCR Challenge Cup, we’re picking out some of the biggest stars who joined new clubs in the summer and will be looking to make an impact when the competition kicks off in December.