Connacht sign Pumas wing Santiago Cordero

Connacht have announced the signing of Argentina winger Santiago Cordero from Bordeaux-Begles.

Cordero, who has scored 13 tries in 45 Tests for Los Pumas, has signed a two-year contract at the Sportsground, beginning from the start of next season.

The former Exeter wing has been playing in France for Top14 side Bordeaux since 2019, with 29 tries in 67 appearances, seven of those tries coming this season.

Cordero's arrival is a real statement of intent by the club and I’m absolutely thrilled he has chosen to progress his career with us," said head coach Pete Wilkins.

"He is a genuine world class talent with a wealth of experience at the highest level, and being in the prime of his career he will no doubt make an immediate impact.

"Having got to know Santiago during the recruitment process, it’s also clear he is also a brilliant bloke who will bring energy and character to the club, both on and off the field. I know our supporters will be very excited by this news, and like them I look forward to seeing Santiago wearing the green of Connacht for the next two years."

Cordero was part of the Argentina side that reached the World Cup semi-final in 2015, defeating Ireland along the way, scoring three tries in the pool stages.

"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," he said.

"I visited Connacht recently for a few days, and I thought Galway was a beautiful place and I can’t wait to play my rugby there. I had a lot of good chats with Pete Wilkins, Tim Allnutt and Jack Carty, and they are sure I can play my best rugby in Connacht. It’s a great team and when picking my next club I was sure Connacht was the right