Argentina pair Matias Orlando and Matias Moroni upbeat about representing Newcastle Falcons

Argentina internationals Matias Orlando and Matias Moroni are excited to return for Newcastle Falcons stint after being part of the Rugby Championship squad as they host Bristol Bears on 1st October.

Orlando has been with Newcastle since 2020 when he joined them from Jaguares and has represented the Pumas over 50 times.

“I’m really happy to be back,” said Orlando to the club's official website.

“We landed in Newcastle on Monday night, and the time zone from South Africa is pretty similar to the UK so there hasn’t really been a problem with jet lag.

“I am free to play, hopefully as soon as possible, and I want to get back into it.

“It’s obviously down the coaches and I’ve only just landed here, but I’m keen to get minutes on the field and hopefully make a contribution. I’m absolutely fit to go.

“Having been away with Argentina for so long it’s actually a case of getting used to the language again, so I’ll be working on my Geordie!

“I feel really happy to be back, though. The boys are great, they’ve welcomed me back and hopefully I can help Tute [Moroni] to settle in.”

Meanwhile, Moroni will make his first appearance for the club after being part of victorious Leicester Tigers squad last season.

“We arrived on Monday I night, I woke up on Tuesday morning and it was bright outside, so we brought the sun!

“We were straight into training, and even though we didn’t do every single part of the session it was great to get straight into it and meet the boys.

“I have a lot to learn in terms of the calls and how we want to play, and it’s been really helpful having Mateo [Carreras] and Tosti [Orlando] here. That has sped things up a bit because they can communicate with me in Spanish, and so far they’ve been able to quickly answer every question that I’ve had.

“In terms of if and when I play, it’s up to the coaches to pick the team, but I’m fit and ready and I came here to play rugby. If the coaches think that I am ready, then I’m here, but it’s not my decision to make.”

Newcastle Falcons are currently languishing at the bottom of the table after losing all their three matches.