Werstern Force sign Argentina XV hooker Leonel Oviedo

The Western Force have lured another Argentine talent to Perth, signing hooker Leonel Oviedo on an injury cover contract.

The 27-year-old joins countrymen Franco Molina and Agustin Moyano in Western Australia, and while he is yet to join the pair in earning a Los Pumas cap, the hooker has trained with the top squad and represented the Argentina XV team last November.

Like Molina and Moyano, Oviedo is a Dogos XV Cordoba product, helping the club finish second in the 2025 Super Rugby Americas competition. He’s also played in Uruguay and France in his club career.

“We’ve been on the hunt for another hooker to add to our depth in that critical position,” Force head coach Simon Cron said.

“Prior to reaching out to Felipe, we canvassed Australian teams and agents, but couldn’t get someone who was SRP-ready. It’s not a position you want to put someone who is not quite ready yet.

“Leo is ready, firing and more importantly, fits our team and the culture we are building. We are lucky we have been able to entice a lot of Australian players back from overseas, so we are well inside the Rugby Australia rules for foreign players.

“He brings a very big, strong presence at hooker. At 118 kilograms, that’ll help stabilise the middle of our scrum.

“With Nic Dolly coming back from injury, this provides a bit of breathing space for him to come back fully fit and ready.

“It’ll also increase our training intensity come set-piece time and contact zone, which will help all of our players to continue to grow. He’s a really good addition for us.”

The Force’s hooker stocks for the 2026 season are now Albert Alcock, Nic Dolly, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, and Oviedo.

The former Jaguares front-rower touched down last week and said he was excited to link up with a few familiar faces.

“I’m happy to be here to join the Force,” he said. “I’m excited to contribute with the team.

“Perth is a great place and I’m excited to play here and alongside Agustin and Franco too.”