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The Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR) has continued building towards having a competitive Super Rugby franchise by confirming the signature of outside back Santiago Cordero on a two year deal.
The 21 year old speedster joins from Regatas club in Buenos Aires on his first professional contract. He told reporters that ”the principle reason behind his decision is that we want him playing for Los Pumas. Being here together with the group of franchise players puts all in a position to fight for a place in the test team”.
Cordero is competing for selection for his country at both Rugby World Cup 2015 and the 2016 Olympic Games. He played for Argentina this passed Saturday, scoring a second half try in the 28-22 defeat against the French Barbarians in Rosario.
Cordero joins Manuel Montero as the second specialist winger contracted to the UAR and the pair are two of four outside backs together with Ramiro Moyano and Joaquín Tuculet.
The decision to sign did not come lightly with Cordero having other opportunities. “There were a number of offers for me to play abroad. But instead I thought of playing for the test team, which carries personal priority. Staying in Argentina means I can be together with my family and friends which is something very important”.
Known for his speed and side-stepping ability Cordero debuted for Argentina against England at the age of 19 and has, thus far, earned nine test caps. He was selected to represent the Barbarians against Fiji in 2013 at Twickenham and was playing Rugby Sevens for Argentina as an 18 year old.
