Argentina prop Francisco Moreno joins Newcastle Red Bulls

Argentina prop Francisco Moreno is joining Newcastle Red Bulls.

The 24-year-old tight-head made his test debut for Los Pumas against world champions South Africa earlier this month and arrives on a one-year deal.

Weighing 143kg and standing at 6 foot 1, Moreno played for Tarucas in this year’s Super Rugby Americas competition.

Currently with the Argentina squad in Jujuy as they prepare for Saturday’s test against Australia, he will join countrymen Franco Molina and Simón Benítez Cruz when he arrives on Tyneside at the end of his Pumas commitments.

Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Dan McFarland said: “Francisco is a relatively young tight-head who has already taken his first steps in international rugby, and shows a lot of promise.

“He’s a big man who will add to our front-row depth, and we look forward to integrating him into our group when he arrives here.”

FRANCISCO MORENO BIOG

Position: Prop

Born: 31/1/2002

Height: 1.85m (6 foot 1)

Weight: 143kg (22 stone 7)

Honours: Argentina