Gotovtsev joined Gloucester in 2021 and has since played with the Russian flag on his shirt, in line with the club's policy, which since 2015 has allowed its foreign players to wear caps for their country on their Premiership jerseys.

Gloucester have confirmed they will remove the Russian flag displayed on prop Kirill Gotovtsev's jersey following backlash on social media

Gloucester apologises for the use of a Russian flag on prop Kirill Gotovtsev's club shirt and says it will no longer be featured.

Gloucester-Hartpury forward Zoe Aldcroft has been confirmed as the Red Roses captain for 2025. Aldcroft, who has 58 caps for her country, will lead the side as they begin preparations for this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.

Zoe Aldcroft is the new England women's rugby captain, taking over from back row stalwart Marlie Packer, and will lead her country at the 2025 World Cup.

New Zealander Mitchell, a former All Blacks coach, said it was a difficult choice to remove the 35-year-old Packer as captain.