Argentina lock Franco Molina has signed a two-season deal with PREM side Newcastle Red Bulls, following a brief stint at Australian side Western Force.<\/p>\n
Cordoba-born Molina will play out the 2026 Super Rugby season in Australia before making the move to Tyneside in the summer.<\/p>\n
The 6-foot-5 forward is already familiar with England\u2019s top flight, having made 17 appearances for Exeter Chiefs last season, including starting the Premiership Cup final in their loss to Bath.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old has also played 20 times for Los Pumas, including victories over New Zealand, Australia, France and the British & Irish Lions. He most recently appeared off the bench for Argentina during their Autumn Nations Series loss to England.<\/p>\n
Speaking about his upcoming move, he said: \u201cI\u2019m incredibly honoured to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls \u2013 a club that has such a rich affinity with Argentinian players. <\/p>\n
\u201cAfter my conversation with Jonny Petrie and Neil McIlroy, it is obvious that this is a really exciting time to be involved with the club, and I cannot wait for what is to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to meeting my team-mates and achieving something special there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Newcastle Red Bulls\u2019 sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: \u201cFranco has built up a good body of international experience over the last few years, playing in many big games for Argentina.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knows the Gallagher PREM from his time with Exeter, and his set-piece ability will stand us in good stead as we look to put this club on a clear upward trajectory.\u201d<\/p>\n
Revealed: The \u2018power teams\u2019 warning Stuart Lancaster gave to World Rugby referees<\/a><\/p>\n The Red Bull Rebuild<\/p>\n Molina is yet another big name set to make his way to Tyneside, alongside former Chiefs teammate Josh Hodge, and All Black international Hoskins Sotutu.<\/p>\n While Newcastle are investing heavily in bringing external talent into the club, there\u2019s also a huge effort being made to keep the developing talent from moving elsewhere.<\/p>\n Following Hodge\u2019s re-signing with the club, Newcastle Red Bulls\u2019 sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: \u201cThere\u2019s understandable frustration around the number of players who have developed in Newcastle\u2019s academy, but who have moved away to fulfil their ambitions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are committed to Newcastle Red Bulls being a club where homegrown talent can flourish, so that the Josh Hodges of the future will not feel the need to go elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n