Murphy pragmatic over Gloucester-Hartpury 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."

One player Murphy will have at his disposal next season is Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan, who signed a new deal with Gloucester last week.

"Sam is brilliant," said Murphy. "She brings that calmness and maturity to us in the really tough games - 'girls this is what we need to do, take a deep breath, we do this, this, and then we do this'.

"With her international experience and Premiership experience, it's key for her to be staying this year."

Monaghan, who joined Gloucester in 2022, says she wants to use the news of her team-mates departing as inspiration for finishing the season on a high.

"It's incredibly sad to see some of the girls leave, and to see some retiring as well," she said.

"But it's also exciting for the new girls coming through the pathway to get opportunities.

"It's all about seeing what we can do as a group over the next five weeks, and how we can galvanize and inspire each other to put in some of the best performances we have ever had.

"This group is so great at helping each other out and we want to help each other be the best. We are super close but can push each other in the right ways.

"I'm really looking forward to the next couple of weeks and ending on a high."