WARRIORS have signed experienced Argentina international tighthead prop Santiago Medrano ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Medrano will arrive at Sixways from Super Rugby side Western Force having won 30 caps since he made his Argentina debut against Wales four years ago.
He helped Argentina to their first-ever win over New Zealand at Parramatta in the 2020 Rugby Championship and although Medrano is a regular in the Pumas’ front-row he is just 25 – he will turn 26 next month.
Medrano is the fourth new signing made by Warriors’ Lead Rugby Consultant Steve Diamond following England hooker Curtis Langdon and back row forward Cameron Neild who will arrive from Sale Sharks and lock Fergus Lee-Warner who has also been recruited from Western Force.
“Santi is a dynamic, powerful and mobile prop,” Diamond said.
“He comes highly recommended and, at 25 years-old with 30 caps under his belt, has the ideal profile I am looking for to join the club.”
Medrano, who is 6ft 4ins tall and tips the scales at 17-and-a-half stone, began his rugby career with the Regatas Bella Vista club near his native Buenos Aires and represented played for Argentina Under-20s while with them.
He had three seasons with Jaguares, the former Argentinian franchise in Super Rugby, and helped them reach the 2019 final against Crusaders before moving to Western Force last year.
After five seasons in Super Rugby, Medrano is relishing the prospect of testing himself in the Gallagher Premiership for the first time.
“I’m delighted to be joining Worcester Warriors. From the moment I spoke with Steve, I knew this was the club for me,” Medrano said.
“The Premiership is the best competition in the world. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and play in front of our fans at Sixways.”