Saracens snap up Pumas international while John Plumtree’s son joins Welsh club

Adam Kyriacou 27 Jun 2023 8:24 AM

Saracens have snapped up Argentina centre Lucio Cinti ahead of next season, the finisher joining the club after London Irish filed for administration.

Cinti had been a fixture on the wing for Irish over the last two years and will add plenty of pace and flair to the Saracens backline in the new season.

The 23-year-old has 11 caps for Argentina and can feature at centre or across the back three, with Saracens adding a solid player to their squad.

Star of Sevens and Fifteens

Cinti has excelled in both forms of the sport as he is a bronze medal winner at the Tokyo Olympic Games, while he’s impressed for London Irish.

“I’m very happy to join the club and am looking forward to being a part of it,” Cinti told Saracens’ official website ahead of his switch to the club.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said he’s thrilled to bring the Pumas international to StoneX Stadium, saying that he possesses “X-factor”.

“Lucio is a young player with enormous potential who will bring X-factor and versatility to our backline. We’re excited to welcome him to the club.”

Scarlets sign Taine Plumtree

In the United Rugby Championship (URC), Scarlets have announced a deal for back-row Taine Plumtree, who joins from the Blues in New Zealand.

Son of Sharks head coach John, the 23-year-old forward is Welsh-qualified and will be a handy addition to their team ahead of the 2023/24 season.

He played for New Zealand in the 2019 U20 Championship and has featured for Wellington in the country’s National Provincial Competition (NPC).

Plumtree made his Super Rugby bow for the Blues in 2021 and has continued to star for Wellington, scoring a hat-trick of tries in a clash with Northland.

“Taine is an athletic, versatile forward who is able to play across the back-row,” said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel, who is happy with the signing.

?? Croeso Taine!

Welcome to the Scarlets Taine Plumtree!!

Rydym yn falch i gyhoeddi bydd Taine yn ymuno ?’r Scarlets ?

? https://t.co/m57aoW6FI2 #YmaOHyd pic.twitter.com/rPz2onH1Y0

— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) June 27, 2023

“We have been impressed by what we have seen of him with Wellington and when he has featured for the Blues in Super Rugby.

“He is a player of huge potential and we are excited for him to join the young generation of Scarlets who are coming through the ranks here.

“I am sure he will fit in well with the style of rugby we like to play and we’re looking forward to welcoming into the group ahead of the new season.”

Argentina