'He’s got a good build': Newcastle bring in another Argentinian

Newcastle have confirmed their latest signing ahead of the 2023/24 season, snapping up tighthead Eduardo Bello on a two-year deal from recent Gallagher Premiership winners Saracens. A statement read: “Argentina prop Eduardo Bello has become Newcastle Falcons’ 11th senior signing ahead of the new season, with the Saracens tighthead joining on a two-year deal.

“Bello, 27, has been capped nine times by Argentina, including November’s victory over England at Twickenham and their historic first away win over New Zealand eight months ago. Renowned for his scrummaging prowess, Bello stands at 190cm (6ft 3ins) and 120kgs (18st 12lbs).

“Spending the 2022/23 season with Gallagher Premiership champions Saracens, he was part of the Sarries squad which defeated the Falcons 29-23 in North London in February. Bello becomes the fifth Argentina international in Newcastle’s squad for next season, joining countrymen Mateo Carreras, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando and Pedro Rubiolo.

“The Falcons’ latest addition forms part of a summer influx that includes Murray McCallum (Edinburgh), Cameron Hutchison (Edinburgh), Hugh O’Sullivan (London Irish), Tim Cardall (Melbourne Rebels), Louis Brown (Coventry), Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter Chiefs), Kiran McDonald (ex-Munster), Bryan Byrne (Bristol Bears), Josh Bainbridge (Coventry) and John Kelly (Doncaster Knights) under incoming head coach Alex Codling (Oyonnax), with another five players also joining the club’s senior academy.”

About Bello, forwards coach Micky Ward said: “He is an international-class tight-head who is really good in the set-piece, so it is great news that we have been able to bring him in.

"As well as watching him play I have spoken to the Argentina scrum coach about him when he was over here recently, to some other good friends who have worked closely with him and then obviously our four Argentinean lads who know him from their national team stuff. All the reports came back really positive, and he does the type of stuff that we want from our tighthead.

"He has got a good build, he has been in a strong environment at Saracens and he has had four seasons as a regular starter with Zebre in Italy, so he is familiar with European conditions and how the game is played over here. I just think it’s a really good signing for the club, and I’m excited to be working with lads of that calibre.”