Bristol prop Chaparro to play for Italian side Benetton next season

BRISTOL Bears have confirmed outstanding Argentina international prop Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro is set to join Italian side Benetton Rugby ahead of the 2021-22 season.

The 54-cap Argentina international arrived at Bristol on a short-term deal last month to provide cover for Kyle Sinckler while he is away with England playing in the Guinness Six Nations.

Chaparro made his first start in the 18-17 victory over Gloucester, in an outstanding performance which drew the praise of director of rugby Pat Lam. Sadly, he only lasted 22 minutes after pulling his calf and is now set to be sidelined for at least six weeks.

Chaparro, who can play both sides of the scrum, will make the switch to the PRO14 at the conclusion of the Gallagher Premiership campaign.

Lam, the club’s director of rugby, said: “We’re pleased for Nahuel and his family to have the security to continue playing with Benetton Rugby in the Pro14 for the next three seasons.

“Although Nahuel joined us on a short-term as cover for Kyle Sinckler, he has fitted in really well and, despite the unfortunate injury sustained last weekend, we are hoping he will be back before the end of the season.”

Discussing the performance of

Chaparro against Gloucester, Lam said: “He was phenomenal.

“I used him as an example this week (in review). He has had the least time here, just six weeks, but in that 20 minutes it was unbelievable the job he did for the team.

“I showed a clip of him this morning about the pictur- perfect way he presented the ball and yet there are some guys who have been here for three or four years who aren’t doing it as well. He picked everything up and did his job.”