What a coup for the Western province.
Connacht Rugby have today announced the signing of Argentinian International winger, Santiago Cordero, on a two-year deal ahead of the 2023/2024 season.
The capture of the 45-time-capped flyer is a statement of intent from the province, as they seek to add reinforcements to newly-appointed head coach Pete Wilkins’ squad in anticipation of next season.
Cordero has 13 tries in 45 appearances for Los Pumas. (Credit: Getty Images)Joining an already potent looking Connacht back three, fans at the Sportsgrounds will be hoping to see the former Premiership Player of the Year nominee in full-flight with the likes of Ireland winger Mack Hansen and Australian Sevens player John Porch.
29-year-old Cordero is swapping the vineyards of Bordeaux for the charm of Galway, following a four year spell in the southwest of France which saw the winger score 29 tries in 67 appearances across the Top 14 and European competitions.
Connacht’s new signing has also spent two seasons at Premiership side Exeter Chiefs aswell as a year at Argentinian Super Rugby side Jaguares.
Cordero started the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter final in which Ireland lost 43-20. (Credit: Getty Images)Why Irish fans will remember the Argentinian star:
Making his debut for Los Pumas back in 2013, Irish rugby fans will have come across the versatile winger on numerous occasions over the course of the last decade.
No memory of Cordero will ranker quite like Ireland’s humiliating 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter final exit though, in which an electric Argentinian backline tore an injury-ravaged Irish side to shreds in Cardiff.
Cordero was one of the standout performers that day, producing an inch-perfect cross field kick for compatriot Juan Imhoff to hand Argentina a 14 point lead after a quarter of an hour, from which Joe Schmidt’s Ireland side never recovered.
Do not avert your eyes.
Welcome to Connacht, Santiago Cordero! 💥https://t.co/zrhmGpJ7x7 pic.twitter.com/Ao2uTclOcL
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 23, 2023
Recognised widely as one of the players of that World Cup as Argentina claimed fourth place, the winger beat 31 defenders, more than any other player at the tournament.
Speaking on his move to the Western province, Cordero said “I’m very excited to be part of Connacht Rugby from next season. I can’t wait to move there and meet all the boys and people and live the life of a Connacht player”.
The Argentinian also added “Connacht love to play rugby the right way from everywhere on the pitch and they’re always in attack mode, and that’s what I like”.
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