Jersey have announced the signing of a new prop forward, who is
set to become the first Argentine player to represent the Island
club.
Ignacio Sáenz Lancuba, known by his nickname 'Nacho', is a
loosehead prop from a country renowned for producing uncompromising
front row players. The 22-year-old has won five caps for his
country, helping the Pumas qualify for next year's Rugby World Cup
through winning the 2013 Americas Rugby Championship.
Nacho, (pictured above), will embark on the next stage
of his career as he tackles pre-season training with his new Jersey
team-mates, aiming to seal a place in the Islanders' side when the
Greene King IPA Championship begins in September.
"I'm excited to be bringing Nacho to Jersey - he is a talented
player with real potential to play rugby at a very high level,"
said Jersey Head Coach Harvey Biljon. "He comes from a country
where there's a real enthusiasm for rugby, so I hope he'll
recognise the same passion among supporters at St Peter."
Nacho was born in Buenos Aires and played for the San Cirano
club in the Argentine capital; he has also represented his country
in the 2011 IRB Junior World Cup, and at 'A' team level for the
Argentine Jaguars.
"Signing for Jersey represents a really positive step in the
right direction for my career, and gives me the chance to continue
my development on and off the field," he said. I'd like to thank
Jersey for giving me this opportunity and I promise the supporters
that I will be giving 110% in everything I do in order to make sure
we achieve our goals for the new season."
The new signing joins the squad as Jersey confirmed that another
loosehead prop, Ben Rogers, will not be coming to the Island as
originally anticipated, having previously agreed a contract in
April.
"Regrettably Ben's recovery from injury hasn't gone to plan, and
when it came to it he was not fit enough to honour the terms of his
contract and join us for pre-season," said Biljon. "It's very
unfortunate for him, and I'd like to wish him all the best in
making a full return to fitness in order to be able to resume his
career - when he does this then I'd certainly be interested in
talking to him in the future."
