Burns to Leave Kingsholm
It has been confirmed today by Gloucester that England fly-half Freddie Burns will leave the club at the end of the season.
The announcement ends and confirms months of speculation about the 23-year-old’s future at the club.
Ever since talk of Toby Flood moving to a French club at the end of the season, the Gloucester playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to the Tigers.
Burns, who has three international caps, made his debut for Gloucester in 2009 and was last year’s Aviva Premiership top point scorer with 350 points in all competitions.
In a statement, Gloucester said: "After weeks of speculation, Gloucester Rugby can confirm today that fly-half Freddie Burns will leave the club at the end of the season.
"The future of the 23-year-old, who made his senior bow in Andy Hazell's testimonial match ahead of the 2009-10 season and who is out of contract at the end of the current season, has been the subject of intense media attention in recent weeks.
"Discussions between Burns and the club over a new contract have been ongoing for some time now.
"However, agreement has not been reached and, by mutual consent, both parties have started to pursue alternative options."
In addition to this, Burns, who started Gloucester’s Heineken Cup defeat against Munster at Kingsholm three days ago, added:
"I've had a lot of things to consider regarding my future in recent months, and it's not been easy," Burns said.
"But I am still a Gloucester player and will be giving it 100 per cent, as I always have done, whenever I pull on the shirt.
"Gloucester have been incredibly supportive, they have been ever since I first joined the club. I have so many people to be grateful to.
"Whatever happens in the future, it all started here for me and I will always be thankful for that."
Gloucester rugby director Nigel Davies confirmed that "lengthy dialogue" had taken place between the club and Burns surrounding his future.
"A number of players are out of contract at the end of the season, and I've been pleased to date with those who have re-signed, including the likes of Sione Kalamafoni, Henry Trinder and Billy Twelvetrees," Davies said.
"Attention has naturally turned to Freddie Burns' situation and, despite lengthy dialogue, we have decided to part company.
"Therefore, we feel that it is important to clarify the situation.
"Doubtless, a statement on Freddie's future club will be made in due course. However, in terms of Gloucester Rugby, we know where we stand and we will move forward accordingly.
"As always, any statement regarding player signings will made via official channels at the appropriate time.
"Freddie has made a tremendous contribution to Gloucester Rugby and, when he does leave us at the end of the season, everyone at the club will wish him well.
"Until that time however, I know that Freddie will be fully committed to Gloucester Rugby and that he will be determined to help us be as successful as possible this season."
Gloucester currently lie ninth in the Premiership, while a 20-7 loss to Munster ended their distant hopes of reaching this season's Heineken Cup quarter-finals.
