Mateo Carreras has made the decision to leave Newcastle Falcons for Bayonne at the conclusion of the season, declining offers from several Premiership clubs, as reported by Telegraph Sport.
According to reports, Carreras has signed a lucrative three-year contract with Bayonne, rejecting substantial offers from English clubs.
French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique initially doubted the move, despite reports in France linking the wing – who has 17 caps for Argentina – with the Basque club.
Carreras’s decision is believed to be influenced by the prospect of an improved lifestyle and a desire to challenge himself in a new environment and league.
Bayonne currently sits in 11th place in France’s Top 14, having won two of their opening six matches this season. Carreras will be joining fellow Argentinians Facundo Bosch, Lucas Paulos, and Rodrigo Bruni in south-west France next season.
Since joining the Falcons in 2021, Carreras has been a mainstay in Los Pumas’ starting XV, featuring on the wing in all but one of Argentina’s matches at the World Cup in France.
His move to Bayonne is another blow to the Premiership, which has witnessed a number of high-profile departures to France recently, including the reported advanced negotiations of Leicester No 8 Jasper Wiese with Stade Français in Paris.
At Newcastle, Carreras is one of five Argentinians, with four of them representing Los Pumas at this year’s World Cup. Matías Orlando, who was omitted from Cheika’s squad, also plays in the North East.
Carreras was unavailable for the Falcons’ recent game against Saracens due to a hamstring injury.
Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.