Newcastle to sign Argentina lock Molina in summer

Franco Molina has joined the Red Bulls of Newcastle as their starting 2026-27 signing.

After participating in Western Force’s 2026 Super Rugby campaign, the 28-year-old second row will join the Newcastle squad in the summer.

Molina has agreed to a two-year deal after making 17 appearances for the Exeter Chiefs last year.

He has 20 international caps and has previously played for the Chilean side Selknam, the Dogos, Ceibos, and the Jaguares in Argentina.

“I’m incredibly honored to be joining Red Bulls of Newcastle, a team with such a strong bond with Argentinian players,” Molina told the club website.

I can’t wait for what is to come, and I can tell after speaking with Jonny Petrie, the managing director, and Neil McIlroy, the general manager.

I’m looking forward to meeting my team-mates and accomplishing something extraordinary there.

Manager McIlroy claimed that Molina had gained valuable international experience from playing “many significant games” for Argentina in recent years.

He has a strong grasp of the Prem from his time playing for Exeter, and McIlroy believes that his set-piece skills will help us put this club on a clear upward trajectory.