Bath confirm Guy Mercer will leave before the start of the season

Bath have cut short back row forward and former captain Guy Mercer’s contract ahead of the 2018-19.
Mercer had two years remaining on his deal and Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder alluded to the stacked back row options available to him as a reason for the 28-year-old’s release.
“We have an extremely deep and talented range of players in the back row and it was clear that time on the pitch would be limited,” Blackadder said.
“We’d like to thank Guy for the immense contribution he’s made during his time with the club. Not only has he captained the team, he’s been hugely influential passing on his experience to an exciting crop of talent coming through in his position.”
Mercer spent last season on loan at Ospreys after falling out of favour under Blackadder who turned to emerging talents Tom Ellis and Josh Bayliss, while Francois Louw is due to return to action after suffering a knee injury.
Free agent Mercer made 123 appearances for Bath since making his debut against Wasps in 2010, and paid thanks to the staff and his teammates at the Rec.
“I have had an incredible time with Bath Rugby and want to thank the players, staff and friends of the club that have made that possible.”
Mercer becomes the another Rec favourite to leave this summer after Bath failed to meet the demands of fan favourite Matt Banahan.