Northampton sign Argentina centre Juan Pablo Estelles
Monday 15 August 2016 15:23, UK
Northampton have signed Argentina centre Juan Pablo Estelles ahead of the new Premiership season.
The 28-year-old was part of the Pumas squad which finished sixth in the rugby sevens at the Olympic Games and has a single Test cap, having represented his country in a win over Chile in 2008.
Estelles moves to Franklin's Gardens from Atletico del Rosario and is anticipating a tough fight to win a place in the team's starting line-up.
"I would like to thank the Northampton Saints coaching staff for giving me this opportunity to join the club," he said.
"I am delighted to have this fantastic chance to challenge myself and prove what I can do at the highest level in England.
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"I am aware of the great number of world-class players that the club has at its disposal and I know that there will be plenty of competition to earn a starting jersey. But I believe in my abilities and I will be working hard to make the most of this experience, on and off the field.
"I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and I will be doing all I can to help the club as we strive to achieve our goals."
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder is confident Estelles can make a good impression in English club rugby.
"Juan Pablo was part of an impressive Argentina squad at the Olympics so we know that he has the fitness levels to go straight into the Aviva Premiership," he said.
"He's a powerful and elusive runner with a good set of handling skills as well as strong defence, and we're looking forward to seeing what he can do here at Franklin's Gardens."
