Argentinean pair Santiago Grondona and Mateo Carreras signed by Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of Argentinean duo Santiago Grondona and Mateo Carreras until the end of the 2020/21 season.

Both the players were part of Jaguares in the 2019 season but with the 2020 Super Rugby season cancelled following the pandemic coroanvirus, they will now join the Premiership club in January next year.

Grondona made his debut for Argentina in the recently concluded tri-nations Rugby Championship where the Pumas registered their first-ever historic win over New Zealand along with two drawn encounters against Australia to finish second in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Carreras had represented Argentina Under 20 side and Sevens team.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards stressed on the importance of increasing the squad depth with challenging scheduling around following the pandemic coronavirus.

“Santiago and Mateo are both quality players who will further add to the competition we have within the squad," he told the official website of the club.

“Santiago is a very powerful player who at 6 foot 6 can make a real physical impact, and Mateo has plenty of pace and footwork out wide.

“We’ve started well, but the relentless nature of the fixture list due to the shortened season means that squad depth becomes more important than ever.

“It’s going to be all hands to the pump with key games coming thick and fast, and the opportunity to add two talented players like this was too good to pass up.”