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Pablo Matera won't be returning to Paris - reports
By
Ian Cameron
Los Pumas captain Pablo Matera will not be returning to Stade Francais, according to reports out of France.
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RMC Sport report that Matera – who is currently playing for Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific competition – will not be returning to the blue and pink of the Parisian side, contrary to reports that he would enjoy a second stint at the club.
It is thought that his duties with Argentina, which meant he missed Top 14 games during international windows, were a factor in Stade’s decision not to pursue a second stint with the highly-rated loose forward.
Indeed it is forecast that the back row will not be returning to the Top 14.
Matera signed with the Cruaders in 2021 and has made six appearances for the Christchurch side this season, three coming off the bench.
The 6’3, 105kg Argentinian has already played 78 times for his country, despite being just 28 years of age.
Matera, who notched up 52 caps for the now-defunct Jaguares and also featured for Gallagher Premiership heavyweight Leicester Tigers, described his debut for the Crusaders as ‘something special’.
“It was something special, something I was dreaming about for the last couple of months before I arrived in New Zealand,” Matera told Sky Sport NZ after playing the Hurricanes back in Feburary. “It’s been a long journey, I’m really happy to finally experience this and live in New Zealand and play this rugby with the Crusaders. It’s something really emotional for me and my family.
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“I am a rugby player but I am also a rugby fan. I love the rugby here, I have always been watching New Zealand rugby since I was really young. It is a very emotional thing to be here living this experience.”
In 2020 he was involved in significant controversy when a number of old social posts from his teens were dug up in which the back row appeared to make pejorative remarks.
