Bristol Bears have added a top young talent to their back-row, in the form of Argentina U20s star Benjamín Grondona. The 19-year-old arrives at Ashton Gate with immediate effect, as the Bears announced his arrival today.
Benjamin is the younger brother of Bristol and Argentina back row Santiago Grondona, and joins up with the Bears following his move from Super Rugby Americas side Pampas XV. Grondona has been plying his trade in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires throughout his early career, having previously also represented Club Champagnat.
Bristol Bears Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Benjamín is one of the most exciting young players in the game and came to our attention at the Junior World Championships last summer.
“For a player of his age to have already featured for his country’s ‘A’ team demonstrates the high regard in which he is held by Argentina, and we’re pleased to be able to bring a young man with huge potential to the club.
“He arrived in the country last week and is excited to get stuck in straight away.”
At 6ft 3 and 102kg, Grondona is a dynamic ball carrier and an imposing presence at the line-out. Grondona earned international honours with caps for Argentina ‘A’, in 2023 fixtures against Uruguay and Chile. A versatile back-row, he is also well suited to the blindside flank but can also opporate at number eight. He represented Los Pumas in the 2023 Junior World Championships, last Summer in South Africa.