English qualifed hooker Santiago Socino snubs Red Rose in favour of Puma dream

Newcastle Falcons hooker Santiago Socino is returning to his native Argentina to join Super Rugby side, Jaguares.

The 27-year-old made 34 first team appearances for the Falcons, of which nine were starts, and leaves with "the best wishes of the club".

Director of rugby Dean Richards said: "Santi has ambitions to play international rugby for Argentina, and we have agreed to release him so that he can take up this opportunity in his homeland.

"We wish him the best of luck for his move to Jaguares, and hopefully we will see him pushing on and achieving his goal of playing for his country."

The converted backrow is actually English-qualified after completing his residency period. In March 2019 he was visited by Argentina coach Mario Ledesma who was contacting European based players with potential to be selected internationally.

Socino's move back to Argentina suggests that Ledesma has successfully convinced him to pursue his native Argentina and not England for international honours.

Newcastle Falcons have been signing players despite their recent relegation to the Championship. Last week Centre Gareth Owen was revealed as joining the club, the Welshman signing from Leicester Tigers on a two-year deal.

Owen, 30, has spent the past two seasons with the Tigers, having previously played 72 games for the Scarlets and 50 for the Ospreys.

The Welshman becomes the Falcons' fourth confirmed signing for next season following Exeter Chiefs lock Toby Salmon, USA lock Greg Peterson (Bordeaux-Begles), lock Darren Barry (Worcester Warriors), with England Under-20s back-rower Josh Basham having also arrived in recent weeks.

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