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Santiago Cordero extends his stay in the Premiership
Santiago Cordero says he is “excited” about what lies ahead for him at Sandy Park after he today agreed terms on a new one-year deal with the Exeter Chiefs.
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The Argentinian international arrived in Devon back in January on a short-term contract until the end of the season.
However, the 24-year-old’s impressive form, both in matches and in training, has done enough to convince Chiefs’ Director of Rugby Rob Baxter to extend his stay.
Although he has yet to score his first points for the current English champions, Cordero helped his new club to lift the Anglo-Welsh Cup in March with a 28-11 victory over Bath at Kingsholm.
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He has also played his part in guiding the Chiefs to top spot in the Premiership at the end of the regular season – and is now gearing up for the upcoming, sold-out semi-final against visiting Newcastle Falcons.
Reflecting on his new deal, Cordero – who has won 33 caps and scored 11 tries for the Pumas – said: “I am very excited of course. It is a great opportunity for me to grow as a player and as a person here, so I am really happy.”
Although it’s his first taste of English rugby, Cordero has settled well to life in the Westcountry.
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“Everything is here for me,” he added. “I am always learning. I think I came to the best team in England so I am very happy with that, and I will try to keep on learning and become a better player.
“Already I have learnt lots of new things and I am always trying to ask questions and keep learning. However, I think I am just starting. I think I can make more of my talent in rugby.”
Like Cordero, Baxter is delighted the versatile back is hanging around the place for at least another season.
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“I think the most impressive thing is that he has shown the qualities we really like,” said Baxter. “He has been prepared to work hard off the field and learn what we do as a side very quickly.
“At the same time, he has also been prepared to work very hard on the field. When I say that, those are the very basics of the game. I know some people will be impressed with some of the stepping and the breaks and the go-forward stuff, but actually what makes you very selectable here first and foremost is if you chase kicks flat-out, you work hard to be in defensive position well, you are aggressive and complete your tackles and give us momentum defensively and work hard that way.
“They are a lot of the qualities we look for in our backs which people think as non-flash stuff. I think in the Harlequins game there was a perfect example when he covers a chip from his wing to the far wing and catches a mark in the 22 – those are the hard-work elements he has bought into very, very quickly.
“For me, that makes him very selectable and when you are selected, it means you can add a bit of dynamic and electric go-forward.”
Baxter also highlighted how the move had already brought plenty of positives for all parties concerned.
He continued: “I am pleased for him and pleased for us. It was a good move for both of us bringing him in this year and obviously we are looking forward to him continuing to improve and settle and have an even more impressive time with us next season.
“I think there is a lot more to come from him as he becomes more comfortable, as he gets a bit more physical development, and gets more comfortable with our patterns and our plays and all the communication. I just think all of those things will help him develop.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Some thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to comments