One of Gloucester Rugby’s longest serving players, Tom Savage, will embark upon a new playing challenge at the end of the current season when he moves to Japan to join Suntory Sungoliath.

Since he made his first team debut in 2011-12, ‘Sav’ as he is widely known, has become one of the most popular players in the Gloucester Rugby squad, winning plaudits from team-mates, media and supporters for his never say die approach to his rugby.

He may not have graduated through a club’s Academy system, but the 29-year-old seized his opportunity when it came and has gone on to become a first team regular for the Cherry and Whites, making nearly 200 competitive appearances to date.

And the esteem in which he is held by the coaching and playing staff at the club was shown when he was asked to become club captain at the age of 24.

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Tom Savage (c) Martin Bennett/ Gloucester Rugby[/caption]

However, after eight seasons in Cherry and White, he is now set to embark upon a new chapter in his playing career, a prospect he admits is exciting but confesses that it was a tough decision to leave Kingsholm.

“I’m very excited to be joining Suntory Goliath after eight enjoyable years at Gloucester Rugby. Having met and spoken with them I hope I can add something to what is already a successful and professional environment.

“The set up at Suntory is extremely highly regarded by everyone I have spoken to that know the Club, and my wife Lauren and I are really looking forward to immersing ourselves fully in a new culture and this exciting step in my career and our lives.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the Gloucester Rugby players, staff and supporters who have made my time at the club so incredible. To have played as many times as I have, and to have had the honour to captain the team during my time over the last eight seasons has been a real privilege.

“My decision to leave was the toughest I’ve had to make to date, but I felt the chance to go and experience something new playing for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan is an opportunity that isn’t given to many.

“I’ll be giving my all as usual for the rest of the season and hope to finish my time at Gloucester on a real high. Thanks, Sav."

And Gloucester Rugby’s Director of Rugby David Humphreys paid tribute to a terrific club servant.

“Sav is the sort of player and personality that every club wants in their squad. His attitude and commitment to every aspect of his training, preparation and playing cannot be faulted.

“I think he could genuinely have been a one club man. But this is a terrific opportunity, not just in a rugby sense, but also in terms of experiencing a new culture in a different country.

“I know that I speak on behalf of everyone at the club when I wish him well in this exciting new adventure.”

Tom Savage to leave Gloucester Rugby to join Suntory Sungoliath

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