Gloucester Rugby has bid adieu to hooker Santiago Socino as he departs for Agen, the French ProD2 side. The 31-year-old Argentina international has been an integral part of the Cherry and Whites for the past four years, making 60 appearances for the club. Socino’s departure comes as the club’s director of rugby, George Skivington, looks to manage the team’s budget and maintain a balanced squad for the upcoming season.
Skivington expressed his disappointment at losing Socino but emphasized the financial challenges of retaining him. With Jack Singleton returning from France and the emergence of Seb Blake, the decision to let Socino leave was based on the club’s need to manage their resources effectively.
“We have got Jack Singleton coming back from France, obviously Seb Blake has come through really well and George McGuigan is still here. I would love to keep as many as we can but financially we just couldn’t justify having a fourth hooker in that spot. It is a shame because Santi has been brilliant for us and he will see the rest of the season out and we will wish him well,” Skivington explained.
Socino’s departure will mark the end of an era for Gloucester Rugby, as they look to build a squad that is well-prepared for the challenges of the upcoming season. Despite the departure of an experienced player like Socino, the club remains optimistic about the future.
As Gloucester Rugby prepares for the new season, Skivington and his team are focused on making strategic decisions that will benefit the club in the long run. The departure of Socino is part of a larger plan to ensure that the team remains competitive and financially sustainable.
The news of Socino departing for Agen marks the end of a significant chapter for Gloucester Rugby. While the club bids farewell to a talented player, they are committed to building a strong and balanced squad for the upcoming season.
Socino’s contribution to the club has been invaluable, and as he moves on to a new chapter in his career, Gloucester Rugby wishes him the very best. The club acknowledges his dedication and hard work, and his presence will undoubtedly be missed on and off the field.
As Gloucester Rugby continues to evolve and make strategic decisions for the future, the departure of Socino serves as a reminder of the dynamics involved in managing a successful rugby team. The club remains focused on their vision for the future and is determined to build a squad that is both competitive and financially responsible.