Newcastle bring in Argentina centre Matías Orlando
Matias Orlando of the Jaguars during the 2019 Super Rugby match between Sharks and Jaguars at the GrowthPoint Kings Park, Durban on the 13 April 2019 Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Newly-promoted Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of experienced Argentina international Matías Orlando on an 18-month deal.
The 28-year-old has been capped 44 times by his country and last year helped the Jaguares to the Super Rugby final before representing Los Pumas in the Rugby World Cup.
Orlando will arrive in the first week of December as Newcastle build a squad for their return to the Premiership following an unbeaten 2019/20 campaign.
Director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Matías has consistently shone at both international and Super Rugby levels for a number of years now.
“He possesses a huge amount of quality both in terms of his skill set and work ethic, and it’s a massive boost for us to be able to attract a player of his standing in the world game.”
Un try histórico de Matías #Orlando, en la victoria de #Jaguares 39-7 ante #Brumbies en la semifinal del #SuperRugby 2019.
Este partido se pudo ver en nuestra Fan Page el sábado, estate atento porque seguiremos dando encuentros de rugby. 🏉💥💻 #JAGUARESxESPN pic.twitter.com/bLAKksrfih
— ScrumRugby (@ScrumESPN) April 6, 2020
Standing at 6 foot tall and weighing 95kg (14 stone 10), he has spent the past four seasons in Super Rugby with the Buenos Aires-based Jaguares, scoring twice in last year’s semi-final victory over the Brumbies as they secured safe passage to their first ever final.
The midfield man has scored a total of 15 tries in his 59 Super Rugby appearances, adding to his five international tries.
Richards said: “He certainly knows his way to the line. He reads the game well, has a step on him and brings other people into play, so it’s a tremendously exciting signing. I’m sure our supporters will really appreciate and enjoy what Matías brings to the table.”
Newcastle’s return to the top flight was confirmed in April, with the club sitting 18 points clear at the top of the Championship when the season was prematurely ended by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Falcons won all 22 of their matches last season across all competitions, and will compete in the Premiership when the 2020/21 season gets underway towards the end of the year.