FORMER club captain Guy Mercer is to leave Bath ahead of the forthcoming campaign having been released from his contract.

Mercer made 123 senior appearances for the club since making his first team debut in 2010 and was named club captain in 2016.

However, he spent last season on season-long loan at Welsh Pro14 side Ospreys and Bath director of rugby, Todd Blackadder said: “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.”

“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 added; “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.”