It's the time of the year when teams confirm their squad lists for next season and, as such, reveal which players have been released.
There are always plenty of ins and outs over the summer months and this year is no different. But then there are players who are cast aside - with their futures left well and truly up in the air.
So far, there are 36 players across the UK and Ireland who have been announced as leaving their current club this summer with any future move yet to be confirmed. Given the quality of the players on the list, there is every chance some may already have moves lined up.
For example, Danny Cipriani has been heavily-linked with a move to MLR in the USA and Lood de Jager is reportedly off to the riches of Japan. But for others the future might be uncertain.
Either way, here are the players who have been released on those shores with future moves yet to be confirmed...
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Player released in Wales
CARDIFF
Will Boyde, Garyn Smith, Luke Scully
Back-rower Boyde is a good operator at regional level and, at the age of 27, still has plenty to give. His surprise departure comes with Cardiff's back-row department, which includes the likes of Josh Navidi, Ellis Jenkins, James Botham, James Ratti and Shane Lewis-Hughes, overflowing with talent. Taulupe Faletau and Thomas Young are also arriving next season and the numbers just don't work.
Centre Smith secured hero status with the fans for a vital role he played in the Challenge Cup success of 2018. He came on as a makeshift wing, scoring a try and winning the penalty that clinched it for the side. His contract expires this summer and has not been renewed. He has played over 100 games for the club and, at the age of 26, has plenty left in the tank.
Fly-half Scully was rated highly coming out of the age-grade setup and spent some time on loan at Cornish Pirates but found first team opportunities at Cardiff difficult to come by.
SCARLETS
Rob Evans, Steff Hughes, Tyler Morgan, Marc Jones, Tom Phillips, Tomi Lewis
Loose-head Evans was shock name on the list of players leaving the Scarlets this year. That being said, his form and presence in the first team has been sporadic over recent seasons. Hughes, who has captained the region on occasions, is heading through the exit door but the Scarlets are well-stocked at centre, which also explains the departure of the rarely-seen Morgan.
Under-20 Grand Slam-winning skipper Phillips was initially released by the Scarlets last summer before being recalled in pre-season. He then sustained a knee ligament injury early in the term against Edinburgh.
Players released in Ireland
Connacht have confirmed their departing players this summer and they will wave goodbye to Eoghan Masterson, who has spent nine years at the province but is now looking for a club.
Kiwi prop Dominic Robertson-McCoy is also moving on after six years at the province.
CONNACHT
Eoghan Masterson, Greg McGrath, Jonny Murphy, Ben O'Donnell, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Peter Sullivan, Peter Robb
Players released in Scotland
Fans in Edinburgh will be sad to see the back of Argentine Ramiro Moyano after one season, given his strike rate of nine tries in 13 matches this year.
Rob Harley, 31, is the significant name leaving Glasgow this summer having played a remarkable 264 games for the club. Scotland international Grant Stewart is also heading out the door.
EDINBURGH
Nathan Chamberlain, Sam Grahamslaw, James Johnstone, Ramiro Moyano
GLASGOW
Hamish Bain, Robbie Fergusson, Rob Harley, Tom Lambert, Ewan McQuillin, Grant Stewart
Players released in England
Danny Cipriani's contract at Bath is not being extended and he is heading for pastures new. The mercurial 34-year-old has not confirmed his next move just yet but has hinted that it will be overseas, with strong links being made with a move to the USA.
Bristol have seen a number of players leave as they look to cut their cloth accordingly and come under the new salary cap. Mitch Eadie is a vastly-experienced back-rower who has had nine years at the club with a three-year stint at Northampton thrown in the middle. Ireland international Niyi Adeolokun is also on the way out. He joined Bristol as injury cover after being released by Connacht in 2020 but earned himself a permanent contract.
Aussie powerhouse winger Taqele Naiyaravoro is the lead name leaving Northampton this summer. The 132kg juggernaut scored 15 tries in 50 games for the club but has not played this season due to a knee injury. Fijian lock Api Ratuniyarawa and outside back Ahsee Tuala, who has played for the club 139 times, are also leaving.
Finally, Springbok World Cup-winner Lood de Jager is confirmed as leaving Sale this summer but his destination is unknown at this point. There were links with a move back to South Africa but latest reports suggest he is on his way to Japan.
BATH
Danny Cipriani
BRISTOL
Mitch Eadie, Tiff Eden, Niyi Adeolokun, Theo Strang, Joe Cotton, Ashley Challenger
NORTHAMPTON
Taqele Naiyaravoro, Api Ratuniyarawa, Ahsee Tuala
SALE
Lood de Jager
