Newcastle statement: The immediate effect exit of Mateo Carreras

Argentina winger Mateo Carreras has had his planned move to Bayonne at the end of the 2023/24 season in England fast-tracked as Newcastle have permitted him to exit the Gallagher Premiership for the Top 14 with immediate effect.

It was last November, just weeks after the Pumas had finished in fourth place at the Rugby World Cup, when it was confirmed that the 24-year-old would leave the Falcons for Bayonne on a two-year deal, starting with the 2024/25 season.

However, the 10th-place French club is currently enduring an injury crisis that includes the absence of medical joker Luke Morahan, the former Bristol player who has yet to make an appearance this season.

This has resulted in Newcastle, the Premiership's bottom club who now have Steve Diamond at the helm after he succeeded Alex Codling, agreeing to a request to allow Carreras to leave months ahead of his scheduled switch.

A statement read: “Newcastle Falcons wing Mateo Carreras has joined Bayonne with immediate effect.

"The Argentina international had already agreed on a summer switch to the French side but will move earlier than originally planned after the two clubs reached an agreement.

“Carreras has made two starts and one appearance as a replacement this season, scoring a total of 16 tries in 39 games over the course of his three years on Tyneside.

"Newcastle would like to thank Mateo for his contribution during his time in England, and everyone at the club wishes him all the best for his move.”