Dragons RFC are delighted to announce the signing of Argentina international prop Rodrigo Martinez.
The powerful loosehead had signed a contract to join London Irish this summer but following the English Premiership side’s collapse the Dragons moved swiftly to secure the 25-year-old’s services.
Rodrigo - who stands 6ft 2in and weighs 120kg – made his Test debut for Los Pumas in the 2021 Rugby Championship and joined Wasps shortly afterwards.
Following a series of impressive performances, Martinez signed an extended contract only to suffer an injury that curtailed his appearances for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
Martinez made his return to the Wasps side at the start of the 2022/23 season but when the Coventry-based team fell into administration he returned to Argentina, starting eight matches for Pampas XV in the Super Rugby Americas since March.
Martinez becomes the Dragons RFC’s fifth new signing ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, joining fellow recruits Cai Evans, Dan Lydiate, Dane Blacker and Corey Baldwin.
Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “We’re excited to welcome Rodrigo to the Dragons in the next couple of weeks and look forward to the impact he can make with us.
“Rodrigo has already played for his country at Test level and shown both the quality he possesses and his huge potential to keep improving. He will add real competition to our front row resources.
“Rodrigo has already spent time playing in England and is good friends with Gonzalo (Bertranou) so we’re confident he will settle quickly into our environment and make his mark.”
A product of Los Tordos Rugby Club in Mendoza, Martinez made his Test debut in 2021 in the Rugby Championship against Australia. He has since won three caps for his country. Martinez has also represented Argentina Under-20s and international second side Argentina XV.
The big front row has also had successful playing spells with Jaguares in Super Rugby, Argentine side Los Ceibos and Paraguayan outfit Olimpia Lions in the Super Liga Americana de Rugby.
Martinez said: “I’m really excited to join Dragons for the coming season and to be able to contribute with the team to have the best performance in the BKT United Rugby Championship and EPCR Challenge Cup.
“I can’t wait to now meet the Dragons family at Rodney Parade.”
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Rodrigo has already played for his country at Test level and shown both the quality he possesses and his huge potential to keep improving. He will add real competition to our front row resources...
