Argentina lock Franco Molina to join Newcastle Red Bulls ahead of 2026/27 PREM season after agreeing two-year contract - 'I cannot wait'
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By Ben Grounds
Published 31/12/2025 at 13:13 GMT
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Franco Molina will return to the Gallagher PREM this summer, having agreed a two-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls. The Argentina lock will join the club after a stint in Super Rugby with Western Force, bringing added experience to Newcastle’s forward pack ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. A 20-cap international, Molina has featured in notable victories over New Zealand, Australia and France.
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Newcastle Red Bulls have secured the signing of Argentina international lock Franco Molina ahead of the 2026/27 Gallagher PREM season, with the 28-year-old agreeing a two-year deal that will see him arrive on Tyneside in the summer.
Molina will first complete the 2026 Super Rugby campaign with Australian side Western Force before making the move north.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Molina brings significant experience to Newcastle's second row, having already amassed 20 international caps for the Pumas and featured in major victories during his Test career.
He also has prior experience in the English top-flight after making 17 appearances for Exeter Chiefs last season, alongside previous club spells with Dogos, Ceibos and Jaguares in Argentina, and Selknam in Chile.
The forward - who has featured in victories over New Zealand, Australia and France as well as Argentina's win over the British & Irish Lions this year - says he is eager to embrace the challenge ahead after discussions with the club's leadership group.
"I'm incredibly honoured to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls - a club that has such a rich affinity with Argentinian players," Molina told the club's official website.
"After my conversation with Jonny Petrie [managing director] and Neil McIlroy [sporting general manager] it is obvious that this is a really exciting time to be involved with the club, and I cannot wait for what is to come.
"I'm looking forward to meeting my team-mates and achieving something special there."
Sporting general manager McIlroy believes Molina's international pedigree and set-piece strengths will prove valuable as the club looks to build momentum.
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"Franco has built up a good body of international experience over the last few years, playing in many big games for Argentina," said McIlroy.
"He knows the Prem from his time with Exeter, and his set-piece ability will stand us in good stead as we look to put this club on a clear upward trajectory."
Molina's arrival forms part of a wider recruitment drive by Newcastle, who are currently bottom of the PREM after eight straight league defeats, despite collecting their first losing bonus point in last weekend's 36-27 loss away to Bristol.
They host second-from-bottom Gloucester on Friday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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The Red Bulls have also confirmed the return of England A full-back Josh Hodge from Exeter on a three-year deal, with the 25-year-old citing unfinished business at the club.
"I'm really looking forward to returning to Newcastle Red Bulls," Hodge told the club's website.
"There is a lot of unfinished business for me in Newcastle, and with Red Bull coming in it's exciting times for the club. I can't wait to see what we can do over the next three seasons.
"I knew that if I got the opportunity to go back to Newcastle, where it all started for me as a professional rugby player, it would be hard to turn it down.
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"I cannot wait to be back playing in front of the northern crowd. The north is my home and the Newcastle supporters are incredible."
Earlier this month, Newcastle also announced the signing of Blues No. 8 Hoskins Sotutu on a three-year contract. The 27-year-old has won 14 caps for New Zealand but is eligible to represent England through his mother.
The signings mark another statement of intent from the club, who rebranded from Falcons to Red Bulls following an off-season takeover by the energy drink giant.
How to watch the Gallagher PREM on TNT Sports?
The 2025/26 Gallagher PREM - formerly the Gallagher Premiership - season sees every game of the campaign shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The season runs from September 25 until June 20, 2026, when the champions will be crowned at Twickenham.
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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