Newcastle Falcons, who are bottom of Pool A in the EPCR Challenge Cup without a point, have strengthened their pack by signing Argentina international Pedro Rubiolo on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The 20-year-old, who made his Test debut in September, can play in the back row or second row and is the fourth Argentinian in the Falcons’ squad, joining compatriots Matias Orlando, Mateo Carreras and Matias Moroni.

Head coach Dave Walder said: “Pedro has been capped by his country at just 19 years of age and will also have benefited from being on their recent European tour.

“It is obviously challenging to be joining a club mid-season with having to learn the language, new systems and all the rest of it, but he looks to have the ability and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can add to our group.

“Our Argentina boys obviously know him from their international camp so will be able to help ease his transition, and it’s great to be able to add to the squad as we look to really attack the back half of the season.”