91�ȱ�

Nottingham have released seven players, including former England centre Ayoola Erinle, but scrum-half Sean Romans has signed a one-year contract.

Forwards Matt Holloway, Johnny Baird, Filipo Levi, Raphael Olive and scrum-half Nathan Jones are all leaving.

The reshuffle comes four days after director of rugby Glenn Delaney left to join Premiership side London Irish.

"Even with the disruption, loss of players and Glenn, there's a sense of excitement," Romans, 26, said.

"I've really enjoyed the time I've already had playing for Nottingham and all the lads here, and feel like there is more to achieve.

"The experience I had with the side last season is definitely going to help how I perform, but I'd expect bigger and better things from the whole team in general for the time we have now spent together.

"We finished the season feeling that there was unfinished business to attend to, and I think it's great that there are so many of us who are still together to address that."

Romans, who has played Super 15 Rugby for the Highlanders and was vice-captain of Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup, is the first player to agree new terms with the club since Delaney left to become forwards coach with Irish.

Chief executive and interim director or rugby "Sean was an integral member of our squad last season, showing tremendous workrate, ethics and skills in guiding the side around the park.

"With a tighter squad being pulled together next season those are characteristics that we need as we form the side around him."