Bristol Bears have signed Argentina lock Pedro Rubiolo from Newcastle Falcons ahead of next season.
The 21-year-old arrived at Kingston Park midway through the 2022/23 season, and has gone on to make 21 appearances for the Falcons, scoring one try.
Despite his age, the lock-cum-flanker has already earned 19 Pumas caps, and has become a regular starter under Felipe Contepomi.
Rubiolo has started in both of Argentina’s matches of their northern hemisphere tour so far against Italy and Ireland, and has been selected to face France in their final match of the year.
The Argentine has become the second international signed by the Bears in a space of a week after Scotland’s newly-capped Tom Jordan agreed a move to Ashton Gate from Glasgow Warriors.
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“I’m excited to be joining Bristol Bears from next season,” Rubiolo said after the deal was announced. “It’s an ambitious club playing an exciting brand of rugby and I’m relishing the opportunity.
“Having spoken to Pat Lam about the club’s vision and targets and seen their world-class facilities, I believe it’s the perfect environment for the next chapter of my career.
“I’ve had an incredible few seasons with Newcastle Falcons and I’m really grateful to the club for the opportunities they have given me.”
Bears director of rugby Pat Lam added: “Pedro is one of the rising stars of Argentinian rugby and has already established himself as the starting lock in the Pumas squad at just 21 years old. He has impressed both domestically with Newcastle Falcons and internationally with the Pumas.
“He has started in all of Argentina’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures to date as well as five out six games in Rugby Championship including victories over the world champion Springboks and the All Blacks in New Zealand during the summer.
“We’re excited by the physicality and work rate that he will add to our forward pack, and we look forward to welcoming Pedro into the Bears family next season.”
