Matera keen to play for Waratahs

NEWS: Argentina skipper Pablo Matera is keen on a move to Australia to play for the Waratahs, according to his national coach Mario Ledesma.

The flank was arguably the best player in Super Rugby this year, steering the Jaguares to the final, and would jump at the chance to spend more time in Sydney – one of his favourite cities.

“He loves being here, he loves surfing, he would love to play over here for the Waratahs,” Ledesma told the Rugby Australia website ahead of Argentina’s clash against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.

“He is going to Paris after the World Cup but I think he would love to play here.

“The dream is to play for Argentina, obviously, but if he had to choose a franchise it would be this one [Waratahs].”

Any chance of the Michael Hooper-led Waratahs signing the 26-year-old would likely have to wait until the 2023 season, with Matera set for a move to Paris club Stade Francais after the World Cup in Japan.

“Obviously his consistency [is good], he never really has really bad games,” added Ledesma of the flank.

“He’s a really balanced player, really all-round good player and good bloke too.”