Newcastle Falcons sign Argentina and Saracens prop Eduardo Bello

Argentina prop Eduardo Bello has become Newcastle Falcons’ 11th senior signing ahead of the new season, with the Saracens tight-head joining on a two-year deal.

Bello, 27, has been capped nine times by Argentina, including November’s victory over England at Twickenham and their historic first away win over New Zealand eight months ago.

Renowned for his scrummaging prowess, Bello stands at 190cm (6 foot 3) and 120kg (18 stone 12).

Spending the 2022-23 season with Gallagher Premiership champions Saracens, he was part of the Sarries squad which defeated the Falcons 29-23 in North London in February, with forwards coach Micky Ward delighted by his signature.

Bello becomes the fifth Argentina international in Newcastle’s squad for next season, joining countrymen Mateo Carreras, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando and Pedro Rubiolo.

The Falcons’ latest addition forms part of a summer influx including Murray McCallum (Edinburgh), Cameron Hutchison (Edinburgh), Hugh O’Sullivan (London Irish), Tim Cardall (Melbourne Rebels), Louis Brown (Coventry), Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter Chiefs), Kiran McDonald (ex-Munster), Bryan Byrne (Bristol Bears), Josh Bainbridge (Coventry) and John Kelly (Doncaster Knights) under incoming head coach Alex Codling (Oyonnax), with another five players also joining the club’s senior academy.