BIG changes are coming at RGC following the imminent departure of three influential squad members.

Jacob Botica, Tiaan Loots and Alex Schwartz are all moving on to try their hand at the professional ranks after standout seasons for the Principality Premiership side, which will undoubtedly leave big holes in the Gogs’ backline ahead of what is going to be a significant summer for the group.

Sports reporter Dean Jones outline three current squad members that could benefit from the recent announcements.

Efan Jones:

A former Wales U18 international, Jones has already demonstrated he is more than capable of dictating the tempo of a game from the scrum-half position, and the departure of Schwartz could lead to more opportunities to establish himself as a regular member of the starting line-up.

He is a hugely talented individual with a fantastic rugby brain, and although still relatively young he has plenty of big game experience that will stand him in good stead ahead of what could potentially be his most important senior rugby season to date next term.

Danny Cross:

Although he has endured a frustrating few years due to a number of different injury problems, Cross has shown his class throughout the Premiership campaign and can fill the big void left by Botica at the fly-half position.

He demonstrates a powerful and accurate boot that will be a huge help to Mark Jones during the transitional period, while the ex-Wales U20 star is also a powerful runner that can conjure up something on his own at any given opportunity.

The Gogs have been wisely monitoring Cross’ fitness during the second half of the season which has been paying dividends, but it remains to be seen how he reacts to a prolonged period of starting games on a consistent basis.

Harri Evans:

Evans has enjoyed a very successful first season back in the RGC fold, and looks ready-made to replace Dragons’ bound centre Tiaan Loots.

He is one of the most exciting players operating within the Gogs’ squad and has contributed significantly to another successful campaign at Stadiwm Zip World, so giving him more responsibility is something he will no doubt thrive on over the course of a season.