England number eight Zach Mercer was given a standing ovation from the Montpellier fans in his final Top 14 home appearance for the club on Saturday.
Mercer joined Montpellier from Bath in 2021 and quickly became a fan favourite at the club and across the league.
The 25-year-old produced one last mammoth performance as Montpellier claimed a 42-31 victory over La Rochelle.
Standing ovation
In his 76 minutes, Mercer gained 102 metres from his 20 carries, avoiding eight tackles and completing three offloads and 12 passes. He also weighed in with 10 tackles before departing the pitch.
With four minutes left to play, the Montpellier coaching staff gave the fans the opportunity to pay tribute to their star forward as he departed the pitch, and they did not disappoint.
The Top 14’s official account shared a clip of Mercer’s leaving the pitch with the caption, ‘The standing ovation of the J25 God save the king Zach 1er bowed out to the ovation of @MHR_officiel supporters for his last home game!’
#TOP14 – La standing-ovation de la J25
God save the king 👑
Zach 1er a tiré sa révérence sous l’ovation des supporters du @MHR_officiel pour son dernier match à domicile ! 👏 pic.twitter.com/JE77MmL1KQ— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) May 14, 2023
Montpellier’s final game of the season is away against Pau at the end of the month, as the defending champions failed to secure a place in the play-offs.
Mercer returns to the Premiership next season after signing a long-term deal to join Gloucester.
His move means he is eligible for selection for the Rugby World Cup, with many tipping the in-form back-rower to earn a place in Steve Borthwick’s England team for the tournament.
Mercer enjoyed a fantastic stint at Montpellier, helping the side to their first-ever Top 14 title last season, picking up the Player of the Year award.
The club have brought in another Englishman to fill Mercer’s void, with Exeter Chiefs number eight Sam Simmonds joining the side after the Rugby World Cup.
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