Western Force sign Argentina's Franco Molina on two-year deal
Western Force have announced the signing of Argentina international lock Franco Molina on a two-year contract
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The Western Force have announced the signing of Argentina international lock Franco Molina on a two-year contract to strengthen their tight-five options for the upcoming seasons.
Molina, 27, joins the Force after a successful stint with the Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership, where he played 17 games, including 12 starts, and featured in the European Champions Cup during the 2024-25 season.
The lock, who debuted for Argentina in July 2024 against France, has earned 12 international caps, with notable appearances against the Wallabies during last year’s Rugby Championship.
He was also part of the Argentina team that triumphed 28-24 over the British and Irish Lions in the 1888 Cup in Dublin last month.
Before moving to Exeter, Molina had a highly successful career in Super Rugby Americas, where he reached the final in four consecutive seasons with three different teams. He won titles with Jaguares XV in 2022 and his hometown team, Dogos XV, in 2024.
Molina, who was part of the Argentina team that finished third in the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship, brings valuable international experience to the Western Force. He joins a strong tight-five group that includes Jeremy Williams, Darcy Swain, and Lopeti Faifua.
Force head coach Simon Cron expressed his excitement over securing Molina, praising his physicality, work rate, and ambition.
“Franco is a big, powerful body with a high work rate. He’s in the age category we want for the tight-five group, and he’s an international player eager to push for World Cup selection,” Cron said.
“He will complement the group we’ve built and help add depth and strength to our forward pack.”
Molina, in turn, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Force.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be joining the Western Force, a club with such a rich history and passionate fanbase,” he said. “I’m excited to work alongside Simon Cron and such a talented group of players.
"I can’t wait to contribute to the team and be part of something special here.”
Molina will arrive in Perth later this year, after fulfilling his international commitments, including the 2025 Rugby Championship from August to October.
