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Western Force lose Argentina's Julian Montoya to England
By AAP
The Western Force's Argentine contingent has been cut by one after star hooker Julian Montoya was forced to renege on his contract.
Montoya had signed a short-term deal with the Force to play in the Super Rugby AU and the new trans-Tasman competition this year, but there was a visa issue with getting his family to Australia.
The 27-year-old has now linked up with English Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers instead.
The 63-Test veteran had already committed to joining the Tigers for their 2021-22 Premiership campaign but he has been able to link up with them early after opting out of his Force deal.
Montoya was the starting hooker in Argentina's historic 25-15 win over the All Blacks in Sydney, laying a series of big tackles to help set the platform for victory.
His signing by the Force was considered a major coup, but the Perth-based franchise will still have plenty of Argentine flavour this year in the form of Tomas Cubelli, Tomas Lezana, Santia go Medrano and Domingo Miotti.
Legendary Irish fullback Rob Kearney has also joined the revamped Force, along with Wallabies duo Tevita Kuridrani and Tom Robertson.
Former All Blacks duo Richard Kahui and Jeremy Thrush have re-signed from last year, meaning the Force will boast plenty of international experience in 2021.
- Justin Chadwick
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Latest Comments
I don't think this is going to happen and personally, I don't believe it should. The whole new Enhanced Player Squad (EPS) contracts can only be awarded to EQPs signed to Premiership teams (not sure about Championship sides). The Prem clubs are not going to be agreeable to any changes that see their best players heading off to France/Japan etc. Personally, I believe the Prem should be ring-fenced further with even tighter restrictions on the number of foreign players clubs can have on their books. If the RFU are serious about development pathways, then the Prem and Championship should be establish as the best nurseries for developing emerging EQP.
Completely agree. Really disappointed that we're unlikely to see more of the England A/U20 cohort against Japan this week. Seems a perfect opportunity to get some of them on off the bench for 20-mins or so. The disparity between the starting 15 and the bench has been one of the biggest issues this Autumn.
Another hot topic atm., though I'm not sure who you'd replace him with. Someone, somewhere mentioned making George Ford captain, but that creates a whole other set of issues regarding you-know-who. Agree about looking at some alternative 12/13 options. Can't see Borthwick drifting too far from Furbank at FB with Steward covering for high-kicking opposition.
Go to commentsHe didn't say that. He said that he still thought Ireland were the best team in the world, and he is entitled to say that.
After the NZ series Foster said the TMO handed the series to Ireland. He said the same after the RWC final. NZ always blame others for their losses.
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