Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann has confirmed that prop John Afoa is in talks with West Country rivals Bristol about a possible move.
The former All Black initially joined the Cherry and Whites back in 2014 on a deal reported to be worth around £400,000 a year.
Afoa has been a mainstay of the squad since then but, with the big-spending Championship side looking to strengthen their squad for their expected return to the Premiership, Ackermann revealed that the 34-year-old is in discussions with the Ashton Gate-based outfit.
“There's a big possibility (of him leaving), he's busy talking to Bristol and Bristol is talking with him,” he told Gloucestershire Live. “We're obviously aware of that and we'll see how that goes.”
Should Afoa depart, that would see another experienced front-rower leave after Monday’s announcement that Richard Hibbard will be joining the Dragons next season.
Ackermann therefore admits that reinforcements are needed. “There are a lot of permutations,” he added.
“If Richard leaves, we have to replace Richard or we’ve got young hookers who still need to develop, and obviously with John Afoa leaving we still need a front row or two.
“That’s up to who’s available and then making the budget work.”
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