Head Coach Dai Flanagan has praised the early impact of new prop recruit Rodrigo Martinez – and revealed how he got a seal of approval from a former coach.
The Argentina loosehead made an impressive debut in the BKT United Rugby Championship opener against Edinburgh last Saturday.
The 25-year-old, capped three times by the Pumas, will battle with Rhodri Jones, Aki Seiuli and Josh Reynolds for the loosehead spot.
And Flanagan has revealed how the move for Martinez was boosted by words of support from the man who first brought him to Europe.
“It was a little bit of a punt but we do our work with recruitment,” said Flanagan. “We haven’t got money to waste and made sure we had a good hard look at each area of his game, scrum, attack, defence.
“The references he came with were superb. You saw the effect that Lee Blackett had at the Scarlets last season, he changed their game and how they play, so when someone like that gave a reference for Rodrigo it was a massive tick in the box for us.
“We are very excited by him, he is a physical player,” added Flanagan.
“If I was to describe a Gwent person then I would say they a tough, hard edge. Most of our squad have that and Rodrigo is aligned fully with that.”
Tickets for our next three home games are on sale NOW – click HERE to buy online or call the Ticket Office team on 01633 670 690 during office hours.
Season Memberships for the 2023/24 season are remain on sale NOW! Click HERE to buy today!
If I was to describe a Gwent person then I would say they a tough, hard edge. Most of our squad have that and Rodrigo is aligned fully with that...
