Newcastle Falcons Bid Farewell to Mateo Carreras as Exit Confirmed

Newcastle Falcons have officially announced the departure of Argentina winger Mateo Carreras at the end of the current season, putting an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the 23-year-old’s future.

While the Gallagher Premiership club has not disclosed Carreras’s next destination, French club Bayonne has confirmed his arrival for the upcoming season, substantiating the rumors that linked him to the Top 14 side.

Carreras, a notable presence at Kingston Park since 2021, showcased his exceptional talent on the global stage during the World Cup, particularly with a memorable hat-trick against Japan in Argentina’s crucial pool stage fixture. The winger’s eye-catching performances inevitably attracted interest from various quarters.

Reflecting on his time in Newcastle, Carreras expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to thank Newcastle Falcons and the club’s supporters for welcoming me to North East England and making my stay here so enjoyable.”

“Newcastle has been my home for three years, and I will really miss the place and the people when I move on in the summer. The Falcons have played a massive part in my rugby journey, and I’m looking forward to giving my all during the time I have left here. My only focus is on being the best player and team-mate I can be between now and the end of this season, and I really appreciate the backing from all our supporters.”

Head coach Alex Codling acknowledged Carreras’s remarkable growth during his tenure with the club, noting, “Mateo is an outstanding talent who has naturally attracted significant interest on the back of his performances for Newcastle and Argentina.”

“He arrived here as a talented young man who had played hardly any professional 15-a-side rugby, and he will leave as one of the best wingers in the world. That is due to his own ability and hard work as well as the guidance and support he has received at the club, and we will wish him well when he departs in the summer.”

Expressing disappointment at losing such a fantastic player, Codling emphasized the club’s commitment to nurturing and retaining top talent. Despite the impending departure, Carreras is expected to play a crucial role for the Falcons in the remainder of the season, with Codling expressing confidence in the winger’s diligence and positivity.

As Carreras sets his sights on new horizons, both he and the Falcons aim to conclude this chapter on a high note and turn around their challenging start to the season, where they currently find themselves at the bottom of the league after losing their first five matches.