Argentina lock Matias Alemanno will leave Gloucester this summer, the Prem club have announced.
The 34-year-old has made 99 appearances for the Kingsholm side, and is one of 12 first-team players departing George Skivington’s squad before next season.
“Matty has been unbelievable since I brought him in right at the start of the process,” head coach Skivington told BBC Radio Gloucester.
“I have huge admiration for Matty, he is a proper warrior. He has been nothing but positive here, he has never moaned once, he does what is best for the team – he just gets on with it.
“He is an unbelievable character – even though he has known he is not going to be here next season has been second to none. It will be a sad day when we have to say goodbye to him.”
Joining Alemanno on the leavers list is prop Kirill Gotovtsev, who will retire after 87 matches for the Cherry and White since joining in 2021.
“Kirill is a brilliant character, and brings so much laughter and camaraderie to the building,” said Skivington.
“He was just honest about his body slowing up. He said to me six or seven months ago that this was the end of the ride, but he has been brilliant around the place.”
Previously announced departees include Tomos Williams (Saracens), Hugh Bokenham (Cornish Pirates), and Cam Jordan (Newcastle).
“Tomos has a highlight reel that will live long in the Gloucester memory,” said Skivington.
“He was box-office stuff last season – he is a world-class player. I’m sure when he comes back we will welcome him in his own way.
“Cam feels that Newcastle will give him more opportunities than we can and he is one of those guys you can only wish the best to.”
Academy graduate Jake Morris also leaves after more than five seasons of service.
“Jake has been a loyal servant to the club – he keeps turning up to training, he keeps training hard to play for Gloucester to emulate what his dad [Simon Morris] did. He will always be welcome here,” Skivington added.
Josh Basham, Jono Benz-Salomon, Will Butler, Nepo Laulala, Archie McArthur and Rob Russell complete the list of first-team players to leave.
In addition, the club have also confirmed the departure of academy players George Dufty, Ollie Minnis, Dan O’Reilly, Rhys Price, Dan Owen, Pete Paramore, Rio Ebanks and Freddie Stevens.
“I’d like to thank every player who is leaving the club for their commitment and contribution during their time at Kingsholm,” said Skivington.
“They’ve all played their part, whether that’s across a number of seasons or during a shorter spell, and they leave with our very best wishes for the future.
“It’s always a difficult time saying goodbye, particularly to those who have been with us for several years, and I know our supporters will join us in thanking them for everything they’ve given in Cherry and White.”
