Pumas star Matías Moroni earns new deal at Bristol Bears

Experienced Argentinian international Matías Moroni will return to Bristol Bears on a deal that runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The 95-cap Puma, who can operate at centre and wing, will arrive back in the West Country ahead of the Gallagher PREM round eight clash with Harlequins at Twickenham, having initially joined the club in October on a short-term deal.

Moroni won the Gallagher PREM with Leicester Tigers in 2022 and was part of the Argentina side that beat the British and Irish Lions in Dublin in July and won three games out of four during the Autumn Internationals.

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “We were hugely impressed – though not surprised – by the impact ‘Tute’ made during his short stint with us in October.

“In a limited window, he demonstrated his class, not only through the quality of his performances, but through the experience, professionalism, and leadership he brought to the group every single day.

“He is a proven winner with a wealth of knowledge, and his ability to raise the standards around him was clear from the moment he arrived. We’re delighted to welcome him back and are confident he’ll play a significant role in driving this team forward.”

Moroni said: “I’m really happy and excited to have returned to the Bears. I was obviously here a few months ago to play two games – but in that time, I saw the environment of the club, the facilities, the boys, the coaches and I knew it was the right decision for me to come back here.

“It’s a club with a lot of expectation and ambition and I’m really excited for what is to come here at Bristol.”