Gloucester-Hartpury: Head coach Dan Murphy pragmatic over player exits

Gloucester-Hartpury head coach Dan Murphy insists players leaving is simply part of the game, following the news three of his squad will depart at the end of the season.

England captain Zoe Stratford and fellow World Cup winner Tatyana Heard will leave Gloucester this summer, along with former international Sarah Beckett, it was announced last week.

Stratford is currently out of action as she prepares to give birth to her first child, while Heard will join Sale for 2026-27.

Murphy, whose side are bidding for a fourth successive Premiership Women’s Rugby title, said he sat down with his squad to discuss the news on their return to full training following the conclusion of the Women’s Six Nations.

“We got together last night and I just said ‘this happens’ – this group will never be the same again,” he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

“This happens every year. Players move on, coaches move on, players leave, coaches retire. It is part of elite sport.

“We spoke about how we can focus on the now, how we can get ourselves in the place we want to be. We spoke at length at how we want to do that and bring ourselves together.”

Gloucester will resume their PWR campaign after a two-month break at Trailfinders this weekend, aiming to finish the regular season unbeaten, having won all 14 of their games so far.

The Six Nations has left some in Murphy’s squad less than 100% fit, meaning the chance to look forward and build for next season has already presented itself.

“We’ve had a few bumps and bruises, so there is already opportunity for girls to step into that space,” Murphy added.

“There are some unbelievable youngsters here at [Gloucester] Hartpury, so we are excited to get them out here and see them perform.”