New Signing 'Nacho' to add Beef to Jersey's Pack

Jersey have announced the signing of a new prop forward, who is set to become the first Argentine player to represent the Island club.

Ignacio Sáenz Lancuba, known by his nickname 'Nacho', is a loosehead prop from a country renowned for producing uncompromising front row players. The 22-year-old has won five caps for his country, helping the Pumas qualify for next year's Rugby World Cup through winning the 2013 Americas Rugby Championship.

Nacho will embark on the next stage of his career as he tackles pre-season training with his new Jersey team-mates, aiming to seal a place in the Islanders' side when the Greene King IPA Championship begins in September.

"I'm excited to be bringing Nacho to Jersey - he is a talented player with real potential to play rugby at a very high level," said Jersey Head Coach Harvey Biljon. "He comes from a country where there's a real enthusiasm for rugby, so I hope he'll recognise the same passion among supporters at St Peter."

Nacho was born in Buenos Aires and played for the San Cirano club in the Argentine capital; he has also represented his country in the 2011 IRB Junior World Cup, and at 'A' team level for the Argentine Jaguars.

"Signing for Jersey represents a really positive step in the right direction for my career, and gives me the chance to continue my development on and off the field," he said.

I'd like to thank Jersey for giving me this opportunity and I promise the supporters that I will be giving 110% in everything I do in order to make sure we achieve our goals for the new season."

The new signing will come into the squad as Jersey confirmed that another loosehead prop, Ben Rogers, will not be coming to the Island as originally anticipated, having previously agreed a contract in April.

"Regrettably Ben's recovery from injury hasn't gone to plan, and when it came to it he was not fit enough to honour the terms of his contract and join us for pre-season," said Biljon. "It's very unfortunate for him, and I'd like to wish him all the best in making a full return to fitness in order to be able to resume his career - when he does this then I'd certainly be interested in talking to him in the future."