Bristol Bears sign Argentina's Moroni on short-term deal

Bristol Bears have strengthened their squad with the signing of Argentina international Matias Moroni on a short-term contract.

The 34-year-old, who is comfortable playing both at centre and on the wing, arrives as injury cover following a series of setbacks to the Bears’ backline.

The squad has been hit hard with AJ MacGinty (Achilles), Gabriel Ibitoye (hamstring), Harry Randall (hamstring), and James Williams (ankle) all sidelined until 2026, while Louis Rees-Zammit is also nursing a foot sprain.

Moroni brings a wealth of international and club experience, having earned 93 caps for Los Pumas and scored 13 tries. He played a key role in Leicester Tigers’ Premiership triumph in 2022 before moving to French club CA Brive, where he made nine appearances and scored two tries last season.

Bears director of rugby Pat Lam welcomed the signing, stating: “With the high volume of injuries to our senior backs, we’re pleased to be able to bring in a player of Matías’ experience and quality to boost our backline options for the next few weeks.

“He is a proven international and a Gallagher PREM winner, who will provide excellent cover following the injuries to AJ MacGinty, Gabriel Ibitoye, James Williams, Noah Heward, Rich Lane, Louis Rees-Zammit – and Academy centres Joe Jenkins and Toby Baker.”