Why Mostert's Gloucester move gets a step closer despite opposition in South Africa

After a busy summer with South Africa taking on England and participating in The Rugby Championship, Franco Mostert was all set to join up with his new club Gloucester.

However, reports emerged in South Africa prior to those international involvements that Mostert could yet stay with the Lions, with the franchise citing “irregular player movement” and stating that they would contest the move.

Given the Cherry and Whites narrowly missed out on Rohan Janse van Rensburg to Sale Sharks, too, it was the last news that Gloucester fans would have wanted to hear, especially with their stock seemingly improving this season in Johan Ackermann’s second year as head coach.

Those fans were given welcome news at the weekend, as GloucestershireLive reported that Mostert was in attendance for Gloucester’s 31-7 win over Wasps in the Premiership Cup.

Given that the date Mostert is set to join up with the team is November 1^st, this is a strong indication that no last-minute snags have come up and that the Lions’ challenge has been unsuccessful.

Another strong indication would be Mostert’s absence from the South African squad to play England on the weekend.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus had previously suggested that if Mostert were still a Lions player, he would be involved in the tour opener, but if he were a Gloucester player, he would likely not be granted release by the club, as the Test falls outside of the international window.

Assuming the move does go ahead, Gloucester fans will have to be a bit more patient before seeing their new man in action, though, as Mostert would be available for the Springboks’ fixtures against France, Scotland and Wales, as they all take place inside the window.

If the lock can avoid injury during the internationals, he would be in the mix to make his Gloucester debut at home to Worcester Warriors in the Gallagher Premiership on December 1^st.

Watch: Rassie Erasmus talks about South Africa's upcoming end of year tour.