Gómez Kodela to join Lyon

Francisco Gómez Kodela has signed a two year contract with Lyon starting next season. The former Pumas prop had been widely tipped for the move since December, and French rugby magazine Midi Olympique has now reported that the move is final, with an announcement due in the coming days.

The specialist tighthead has been a regular in the Bordeaux lineup since joining the club from Biarritz ahead of the 2014/15 season. He remains one of the most formidable scrummagers in the Top 14 but with the arrival of Australian World Cup star Sekope Kepu and a strong financial offer on the table, he has opted to make the move east to Lyon. Bordeaux have already announced a replacement in the form of Moldovan international Vadim Cobîlaş, who joins from Aviva Premiership club Sale Sharks.

Gómez Kodela made his debut for Argentina as a 22-year-old against Uruguay in 2008, and has since won 11 caps, six as a starter, but has not featured under head coach Daniel Hourcade. His last test appearance was in June 2013 against Georgia.

Lyon were relegated from the Top 14 after a disastrous 2014/15 season but look set to make an immediate return to the top flight as they currently sit 14 points clear of 2nd place Béziers on top of the Pro D2 standings.