Gloucester celebrate winning the 2011 LV Cup

Gloucester Rugby’s 2010-11 campaign came to an end following the Aviva Premiership Rugby semi final defeat at Saracens on Sunday and the club today confirmed its list of player departures. The preparations for next season are, of course, already underway as the club looks to build upon a season which saw Gloucester Rugby lift the LV= Cup and finish third in the Aviva Premiership table.

Already confirmed as moving on to new clubs are Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), Paul Doran-Jones (Northampton Saints), Jordi Pasqualin (Newcastle Falcons) and Nicky Robinson (London Wasps).

Added to that list today were French duo Olivier Azam and Pierre Capdevielle who have both reached the end of their contracts.

Head Coach Bryan Redpath confirmed today:

“The current squad has been involved in a memorable season for Gloucester Rugby but it’s the nature of the beast in modern rugby that players, some of whom you would desperately love to keep, move on.”

“This is never an easy time as every single player in the squad has played their part in the success that the club has enjoyed this season.”

“I’d like to place on record my personal thanks for their efforts during their time at the club. They have all been magnificent servants.”

“However, we have to move on and prepare for next season. We’ve already announced the signings of Dario Chistolini, Dan Murphy and Nick Runciman, are continuing to explore talk a number of other options and will make announcements at the appropriate time.”

“I am gutted that my services are no longer required at the club, in any capacity,” Azam told the Gloucester Citizen. “I had always been very loyal to Gloucester and hoped that I would finish my playing career at the club that I love, and then integrate within the staff to really make a difference and to continue my passion for the team.

“I went to great extremes to complete all relevant qualifications in order to make the transition successful for everyone involved. Unfortunately, due to opportunity unavailability within the club, now is not the right time for that integration to take place. I have no other choice than to look at other options outside of Gloucester, and it is with the deepest of sadness that I do this.”