Bill Meakes released by Gloucester to return to Australia

Gloucester centre Bill Meakes has been released from his contract to allow him the chance to play Super Rugby.

The 25-year-old Australian joined the Cherry and Whites from Clifton Rugby in January 2015 and marked his first full season with the club by helping them win the European Challenge Cup.

The former Australia U20 international, who made 45 appearances for Gloucester, scoring seven tries, told the club's website that the opportunity to play Super Rugby in his home country was too good to turn down. 

"It's been an incredible couple of years really," he said. "One minute I was just training with Gloucester, then I was named as a replacement and making my first appearance. And then I went on to win a European medal with the boys, it's been awesome.
 
"I'll always be grateful to the club for giving me the chance to show what I could do at this level. I've also made some great mates, they'll be friends for life. And what can I say about the Gloucester supporters? They've been absolutely immense, their backing has been amazing.
 
"But the chance to play Super Rugby is a fantastic one, one that I couldn't refuse and huge thanks to Gloucester for letting me pursue this. I'll be sad to go, but Gloucester and Kingsholm will always be special to me.
 
"I'd like to wish all the players and coaches all the very best for the forthcoming season and I'll be streaming the games every week to keep in touch with how they're doing."