Gloucester are leading the race to sign France international powerhouse Virimi Vakatawa, but face stiff competition from two or three Gallagher Premiership rivals.
The 28-year-old will be out of contract next summer, and has reportedly tasked his agent with securing him a move to England.
Bath and Northampton Saints have also expressed an interest in Vakatawa, according to since making his international debut in 2016, scoring eight tries in the process.
The versatile back, who re-joined Racing three years ago after four years playing on the Sevens circuit, has recently moved from the wing into midfield.
LIST | Five senior Gloucester players set for exit at the end of the season
1.Charlie Sharples
Making his Gloucester debut in 2007, Sharples is the clubs longest-serving player, scoring 91 tries in 266 outings. However, with game-time becoming limited, there have been suggestions the 30-year-old would face a pay-cut to stay. According to RUCK sources, the speedster does have offers from elsewhere, which could lead to him finishing his career in France.
Marais was to join Japanese outfit NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes however he’ll remain with Gloucester until the end of the Premiership campaign after signing a short-term extension. The hooker formed part of Gloucester between 2018 and 2020 after leaving the Sharks.
Beckett trained with the Club ahead of Rugby restarting and has now penned a short-term deal. The lock made seven senior appearances in his previous spell, whilst he was a member of the Senior Academy.
The 32-year-old joined Gloucester on a short-term deal following his exit from rivals Bath at the expiry of his contract. He can play lock or in the back-row, and has joined up with the Cherry and Whites for the remainder of the Premiership campaign.
The 6’4, 128kg Samoan recently joined Gloucester on short-term deal and has significant experience, with over 100 Premiership appearances under his belt. The Samoan international has also been capped 31 times by his country and has the ability to play on both sides of the scrum.