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Enrique Pieretto is leaving Argentina to join the Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership. The 24-year-old tighthead prop was part of the Pumas squad in Japan but made only one appearance off the bench. His growing frustration with the Jaguares as well sees him departing the Super Rugby franchise.
Pieretto had been highly sought after by other European clubs. Exeter have won the race for his signature with rumors circulating earlier this year of his desire to leave Argentina. Despite his 24 test appearances only 4 have been starts and the younger Santiago Medrano has been preferred by domestic selectors.
After 8 appearances in each of the 2016 and 2017 Super Rugby campaigns, Pieretto missed the 2018 season entirely due to injury. He rebounded by playing 17 games for the Jaguares this past season though again only 4 were starts. Pieretto was sent off and suspended in 2016 while playing against England for a stamp on Joe Marler but has since won a dozen caps with no incidents.
It’s a blow to the Jaguares but one already accounted for with the signing of Joël Sclavi from Angoulême. Pieretto meanwhile will start for the Barbarians against Fiji on Saturday, after which he will join his new club. He follows Tomás Lavanini to the Premiership, the Pumas lock already at Leicester Tigers.
