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Newcastle Red Bulls have signed Argentina international lock Franco Molina for the start of the 2026-27 season.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 28-year-old second row will join up with the Newcastle squad in the summer after playing the 2026 Super Rugby campaign for Australian side Western Force.<\/p>\n
Molina, who has experience of Prem rugby after making 17 appearances for Exeter Chiefs last season, has agreed a two-year deal.<\/p>\n
He has 20 international caps and previously had club spells in Argentina with Dogos, Ceibos and Jaguares, as well as Chilean side Selknam.<\/p>\n
“I’m incredibly honoured to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls – a club that has such a rich affinity with Argentinian players,” Molina told the Newcastle club website, external<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n “After my conversation with Jonny Petrie [managing director] and Neil McIlroy [sporting general manager] it is obvious that this is a really exciting time to be involved with the club, and I cannot wait for what is to come.<\/p>\n “I’m looking forward to meeting my team-mates and achieving something special there.”<\/p>\n Manager McIlroy said Molina had built up valuable international experience in recent years by playing in “many big games” for Argentina.<\/p>\n “He knows the Prem from his time with Exeter, and his set-piece ability will stand us in good stead as we look to put this club on a clear upward trajectory,” said McIlroy.<\/p>\n Newcastle are currently bottom of the Prem after losing all eight of their league matches so far this season and host second-from-bottom Gloucester on Friday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n