Zach Mercer sets international rugby return date but it’s not with England

ignored England’s No. 8 Zach Mercer has declared that he will return to international rugby, but not with England.Mercer’s participation in the Killik Cup match against Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on June 22 has been confirmed by the Barbarians.

Mercer, 26, has been chosen to play for the Barbarians in the match, joining England’s most-capped player Ben Youngs. This will be Mercer’s second appearance for the renowned invitational squad. In 2018, he also holds the distinction of having represented England in a match against the Barbarians.

Mercer has not hidden the fact that he believes he has had a fair shake from the England manager after being left out of Steve Borthwick’s most recent Six Nations team.

With the Killik Cup on the line, the Baabaas, led by coach Robbie Deans, will take on the Flying Fijians. As part of a doubleheader, the game also includes a match between Wales and South Africa that begins at 2:00 pm.

“I’m overjoyed to be working with the Barbarians once more this summer,” Mercer declared. “I cherished the chance to play for the BaaBaas against the All Blacks XV in November 2022; it was very memorable to don that jersey for the first time, and we also came out on top.”

“Playing rugby is about creating memories and experiences like that, which is why I’m extremely excited to play again this summer against Fiji.

“I believe there will be two teams competing against each other that are really similar and that desire to play quick, thrilling rugby.

“The Fijians, who were undoubtedly the most improved team at the recent Rugby World Cup, were among the greatest teams to watch, and they will want to return to Twickenham to put on a show.

Rugby enthusiasts should travel down on June 22 to watch the games; it’s going to be an amazing clash between the BaaBaas and Fiji that day. It should be an amazing afternoon of rugby, especially with South Africa vs. Wales on before us.

After leading England’s U20 to a Six Nations Grand Slam and a World Rugby U20 Championship final, Mercer’s professional career started at Bath Rugby. This led to a nomination for World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2017.

He won the 2022 Player of the Year award in the league and the Top 14 title during his time at Montpellier Hérault in France. After returning to England, Mercer played for Gloucester Rugby in 2023, showing impressive results despite missing two months because of an ankle injury.

“Everyone remembers what happens in the Barbarians’ matches, but the week leading up to them is just as special,” Mercer continued. It all comes down to forming relationships with new people that you haven’t played with previously and getting to know one another as a group of players.

Mercer, who was a member of the Barbarians in 2022, is excited for another unforgettable encounter at Twickenham.

“Even though I’ve played at Twickenham a few times, the stadium still has a special aura for me, and getting to run out there is always an honour. I’m really looking forward to returning there.”

The BaaBaas were last seen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; this time, of course, it’s Twickenham; being present in locations of that calibre just serves to highlight the significance of these games.

“BaaBaas matches also present excellent educational possibilities. Some of the world’s top players are working out alongside you, and the coaches are all elite. I am extremely enthusiastic about the possibility to work with Robbie Deans on this project because I had the pleasure of working with two of the greatest in the industry last time: Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara.

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