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Worcester confirm 20 players with over 1,000 appearances between them are leaving
By Kim Ekin
Worcester have said farewell to 20 players with more than 1,000 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership club between them. Those leaving Sixways alongside Chris Pennell, who has made 253 appearances for the club, are two more members of the 100 club, former captain GJ van Velze and tighthead prop Nick Schonert.
Van Velze, 33, joined Warriors from Northampton in 2014 and captained the side to the Greene King IPA Championship title in his first season at Sixways. He made his 100th appearance for Worcester against Wasps at Sixways in January 2020 and his 110th and final appearance as a Premiership replacement against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park last Saturday.
“This month brings me to the end of seven years at Worcester,” van Velze said. “I'm incredibly thankful and grateful to all the amazing Warriors supporters who make our sport what it is.
“Thank you to all my coaches, performance and medical staff over the years for your care, effort and tireless dedication making it possible for me to enjoy this time. Thank you to all my teammates, as sharing special moments with a group you care about, is one of the most rewarding feelings... one chapter is closing, but I’m excited to open the next one.”
Schonert, along with Scotland international back-rower Cornell du Preez have been released early from their respective contracts and been given permission to speak to other clubs. Schonert, 29, arrived at Sixways from South African side Cheetahs in 2014 and made his debut against Bristol at the start of the 2014/15 Championship season.
He made his 100th appearance against Northampton in May 2019 and played his last match for the club – his 132nd – as a replacement at Newcastle last weekend. The other players who will be leaving the Warriors at the end of this month are back row Marco Mama, Samoa international wing Ed Fidow, tighthead prop Conor Carey, scrum-halves Jono Kitto and Michael Heaney, hooker and team captain Matt Moulds and back row forward Matti Williams.
Scrum-half Luke Baldwin, who spent the past two seasons on loan with Dragons in the Guinness PRO14, will also leave Sixways at the end of his contract. Prop Callum Black and back row Matt Cox, who have each made more than 100 appearances for the club, announced earlier this week that are retiring from professional rugby.
Scrum-half Francois Hougaard (Wasps), full-back Nick David (Harlequins), fly-half Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors), utility back Scott van Breda (Jersey Reds), lock George Merrick and tighthead prop Richard Palframan (both Newcastle Falcons) have already confirmed moves to other clubs.
“I would like to thank all the players who are leaving for their commitment to the club this season in what has been a challenging year,” said head coach Jonathan Thomas. “In these unprecedented times players have needed to be adaptable and I can’t thank them enough for their professionalism."
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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