Argentina international Pieretto signs for Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors have bolstered their front-row options ahead of the 2020/21 season, with the signing of Argentina international Enrique Pieretto from Exeter Chiefs.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year contract, subject to visa and medical.

He will continue the club’s links with Argentinian rugby following in the footsteps of Gabriel Ascárate, German Araoz, Federico Aramburu, Jose Piossek, Bernardo Stortoni and Francisco Leonelli.

Argentina international prop Gaston Cortes also joined the club this week on a short-term loan deal from Leicester Tigers.

Pieretto has prior experience of playing at Scotstoun, having started for Exeter Chiefs in January’s 31-31 draw with the Warriors in the Heineken Champions Cup.

The tight-head joined the English Premiership side in November, having played for the Barbarians against Fiji at Twickenham in November

Standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 119kg, Pieretto becomes incoming head coach Danny Wilson’s second new signing, following the news that Richie Gray has already agreed to re-join the club this summer from Top14 champions Toulouse.

The man from Cordoba was part of Mario Ledesma’s 31-man squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, featuring in the Pumas’ pool stage victory over the USA in Kumagaya.

Capped 24 times by his country to date, the prop was also selected to represent the Barbarians in their clash with Fiji at Twickenham back in November.

Pieretto was involved in the Jaguares’ run to the final of Super Rugby in 2019, making 17 appearances for the franchise en-route to their runners-up finish.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Enrique Pieretto said: “Glasgow Warriors is a great club with great players and I chose to join to improve and grow as a player.

“I can learn a lot from the coaches and players. It’s a good opportunity for me and I’m extremely grateful for that.

“I spoke to Danny [Wilson] and he told me his plans for the future. I’m excited about his vision and I’m looking forward to playing for him and the other coaches.

“It’s a fast pitch at Scotstoun and the fans are really noisy. I enjoyed playing there last month with Exeter Chiefs.

“I will give everything to the club and supporters when I join next season.”

Photo above courtesy of JMP UK

Glasgow Warriors Assistant Coach, John Dalziel added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Enrique to the club next season.

“He already has a lot of experience playing for Argentina, the Jaguares and Exeter Chiefs, and at 25 we believe he can continue to develop in our environment.

“We have been really impressed with his performances of late for Exeter, and he will add to our strength and depth in our front -row.”

Incoming Glasgow Warriors Head Coach, Danny Wilson added: “Enrique has 24 caps for Argentina and we’ve been impressed with his performances for Exeter Chiefs, including the recent game against Glasgow.

“He’s an abrasive and aggressive scrummager and it’s great news that he has decided to join us next season.”