USON Nevers lose a member of their tight five eight days before the season resumes. English lock George Smith asked for and was granted the termination of his contract, which ran until 2027 with an optional extra year, Rugbyrama reports. He has returned to England.

The 25-year-old, who stands 2.06 m and weighs 138 kg, arrived in the Nièvre in February 2025. Our records credit him with twenty appearances and two tries for Nevers, after twenty-two matches at Coventry, eleven at Bedford and one appearance for Northampton.

The club, who wrapped up pre-season with a win over Oyonnax, start their Pro D2 campaign on 27 August.