Connacht have secured the signature of one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, with Argentinian international Santiago Cordero joining on a two-year deal.
Cordero, who can play on the wing or at fullback, joins from Bordeaux Begles where he has scored 29 tries in 67 appearances for the club across four seasons.
Prior to his move to France, Cordero spent two seasons with the Exeter Chiefs. He scored 10 tries in 33 appearances, and was nominated for the Rugby Players’ Association Player of the Year award in 2019.
On the international scene, the 29-year old has made 45 appearances for Argentina. His performances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup earned him plaudits across the world as he helped his country to a fourth-place finish in the tournament.
The Counter Ruck: the rugby newsletter from The Irish Times
Andy Farrell offers opportunities against Fiji but stresses established Ireland players must also perform
Four ways Ireland can fix their misfiring attack: Let Goodman cook and where is the 10?
English rugby told to wake up as RFU expected to reveal record losses
Connacht Rugby head coach Pete Wilkins said: “Santiago’s arrival is a real statement of intent by the club and I’m absolutely thrilled he has chosen to progress his career with us. He is a genuine world-class talent with a wealth of experience at the highest level, and being in the prime of his career he will no doubt make an immediate impact.
“Having got to know Santiago during the recruitment process, it’s also clear he is also a brilliant bloke who will bring energy and character to the club, both on and off the field. I know our supporters will be very excited by this news, and like them I look forward to seeing Santiago wearing the green of Connacht for the next two years.”
Cordero said of the move: “I’m very excited to be part of Connacht Rugby from next season. I can’t wait to move there and meet all the boys and people, and live the life of a Connacht player.
“I visited Connacht recently for a few days, and I thought Galway was a beautiful place and I can’t wait to play my rugby there. I had a lot of good chats with Pete Wilkins, Tim Allnutt and Jack Carty, and they are sure I can play my best rugby in Connacht. It’s a great team and when picking my next club I was sure Connacht was the right one.
“Connacht love to play rugby the right way from everywhere on the pitch and they’re always in attack mode, and that’s what I like.”
