A proven international at the peak of his powers – Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of Argentina centre Matías Orlando.
The 28-year-old has been capped 44 times by his country, last year helping Jaguares to the Super Rugby final before representing Los Pumas in the Rugby World Cup.
Orlando will arrive in the first week of December on an 18-month deal, Newcastle building a squad for their return to the Gallagher Premiership following an unbeaten 2019-20 campaign.
The centre is a replacement for Johnny Williams, who has left the club to join Scarlets where he plans to aim for international honours with Wales.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Sir Ian McGeechan picks his all-time dream team
- 5 awesome pubs owned by rugby players
- How the BBC rated England’s players in 2003 final
- RANKED | The 5 Dirtiest Rugby Players in History
- England Players Who Started With a Bang But Faded Fast
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.”