Francisco Moreno Joins Newcastle, Bolstering Pumas Presence

Pumas tight-head prop Francisco Moreno has signed a one-year deal with the Newcastle Red Bulls, becoming the latest Argentine international to join the English Premiership club.

The 24-year-old, who recently debuted for Argentina against world champions South Africa, will link up with his new team in England after completing his international duties with the Pumas’ upcoming home series against Australia.

Moreno's Path to the Premiership

Moreno’s journey to the Premiership marks a significant step up from Super Rugby Americas. He played for Los Tarucas this past season and previously featured for Brazil’s professional team, Os Cobras his prior experience. The Tucumano prop comes from the Universitario de Tucumán club, with local sources from Tucumán detailing his progression.

His call-up to the Pumas came amidst a period of player movement, as agreements with clubs see different players selected at various times, particularly in the absence of a Rugby Championship this year. Moreno is currently training with the Pumas for their final two home matches of the year, facing the Wallabies in Jujuy on August 29 and Mendoza on September 5. He will move to Newcastle following these fixtures.

Moreno's debut for Argentina against South Africa saw him earning praise for his performance, including winning a penalty in the first scrum winning a penalty. Standing at 1.85m and weighing 147kg, he is described as a heavyweight tight-head prop, highlighting his physical presence in the scrum.

Newcastle's Argentine Connection

Moreno’s arrival further strengthens Newcastle Red Bulls’ Pumas contingent. He joins fellow Argentines Franco Molina, Simón Benítez Cruz Moreno will join, and Benjamín Elizalde, bringing the total number of Pumas on the Red Bulls’ roster for the upcoming season to four four Pumas.

This move follows the departure of another Pumas tight-head prop, Eduardo Bello, who left Newcastle to join Ulster. However, Moreno will still face familiar Argentine opposition in the English Premiership, including Joel Sclavi and Pedro Delgado, who also play in the league.

Sclavi, a regular starting tight-head for the Pumas, recently joined the Leicester Tigers from La Rochelle Sclavi has joined, further illustrating the increasing presence of Argentine front-row talent in English rugby. Both Sclavi and Moreno are highly regarded for their scrummaging abilities.

Red Bulls' Roster Overhaul

Moreno is the 25th signing for the Newcastle Red Bulls 25th signing as the club undertakes a significant squad refresh after finishing bottom of the Prem table in the 2025-26 season with only two wins. This extensive rebuilding effort follows a mass clearout in May when the club announced that 26 players would be departing at the end of their contracts this summer.

Head coach Dan McFarland expressed optimism about the new signing, telling the club website that Moreno is “a relatively young tight-head who has already taken his first steps in international rugby, and shows a lot of promise” Dan McFarland told the club website. McFarland added that Moreno’s “big man” physique would contribute to the team’s front-row depth, and the club looks forward to integrating him into the squad upon his arrival.

The acquisition of Moreno aligns with Newcastle’s strategy to bolster their roster with promising international talent. For more world rugby coverage, including player movements and team developments, readers can consult USA Rugby News.

Impact and Future Outlook

Moreno’s transition to the Premiership, like that of USA & Houston Sabercats Prop Paul Mullen to Newcastle Falcons in a previous instance, highlights the increasing opportunities for players from emerging rugby nations in top European leagues. His presence in England will provide him with consistent exposure to high-level competition, which should further aid his development.

The move underscores the continued flow of Argentine talent to European clubs, which has become a notable trend in recent years. This exposure not only benefits the individual players but also contributes to the depth and experience available to the Pumas national team.

As Moreno prepares to join his new club, his immediate focus remains on his commitments with the Pumas against Australia. Following these crucial international matches, he will look to make an impact with the Newcastle Red Bulls and help them improve their standing in the competitive English Premiership.