'I am looking at the Mateo situation' - Newcastle address Carreras rumours

Newcastle boss Alex Codling insists the club is determined to fight to hold onto Pumas wing Mateo Carreras who is attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs.

Codling met up with Carreras, who is out of contract at the end of the season,  this week as the Argentine contingent of Carreras, Pedro Rubiolo, Eduardo Bello and Matais Moroni returned to the club after Rugby World Cup duty which saw them finish fourth. Newcastle operate with one of the smallest squads in the league and finding the money to keep Carrera, whose stock rose last season as he raced over for 13 breathtaking Premiership tries, is a major priority.

Carreras further enhanced his reputation as a world-class try scorer, grabbing a hat-trick against Japan at the World Cup and he will go straight back into the Newcastle side at Harlequins on Saturday as the North East club searches for a first win of the season.

Codling has already hand to put is hand in his pocket for Carreras having lost a bet that the wing couldn’t drop-kick a goal from the wrong touchline in the howling wind of Kingston Park and he is excited to see the flyer in action in tandem with England wing Adam Radwan against Quins.

Carreras signed a two-year deal with the Falcons in April 2022 and  Codling said: “Mateo is a key player for us and we will do whatever we can to hold onto him.  He is very talented and is now one of the top wingers in the world and trained brilliantly today. I am out of pocket having had a bet with him about a drop goal. He told me after it was “too easy, too easy” which tells you the form he is in.

“I am looking at the Mateo situation. It is a daily process and his contract is up and we have to see what happens. I haven’t had those conversations yet but when I started this role – before I actually ended with Oyonnax – I was aware of all the contractual situations and we will deal with those over the coming weeks and months. There are things going on in the background about players’ futures both short and long-term.

“Mateo is the most positive person you could meet, he loves the club  and his rugby and mid to long term we will talk about what is happening next year and I am sure there will be lots of interest in him, particularly after what we have seen in recent weeks (at the World Cup)."

Working in Falcons favour is the fact that Carreras arrived at the club as a quality sevens player for the Pumas and has since broken into the test side with so many fellow countrymen at the club, the winger feels very much at home.

Coling added:  “They (the Pumas) are really good people, warm, caring and love the club. I am looking forward to seeing them play on Saturday as I know the whole club is. There are different squad sizes around the league and they will get a rest period- it is just managing that and being so close in three Premiership games this season with Bath (34-26), Gloucester (18-14) and Northampton (16-14) there is an opportunity for them to come in and make a difference.

“I know Quins well from my playing days and coaching and their DNA is to move the ball just like us this year but the weather has meant limited opportunities. It is a big challenge but one we are relishing.”