WASPS have announced the signing of Argentina prop Rodrigo Martínez from Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) side Olímpia Lions.
Martinez arrives to act as cover for Ben Harris – who is currently out with a long-term injury.
The 23-year-old loosehead made his international debut for Argentina in September and has since gone on to earn three caps.
Martinez enjoyed a breakthrough year with Paraguayan side Olimpia Lions in the SLAR having previously played for Argentinian side Ceibos in the competition in 2020.
He made eight appearances for Olimpia scoring two tries which earned him a call-up to the Argentina squad where made his debut against Australia in this year’s Rugby Championship.
Martínez said: “I am very excited to get the chance to play for Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Olímpia, I really enjoyed my time playing for them and I wish the club all the best for the future.
“I can’t wait to get started with all my new teammates and hopefully I can have a positive impact.”
Wasps Head Coach Lee Blackett added: “We are thrilled to add Rodrigo to our squad, he will provide vital cover for us in the front row, while we have some injuries in that area.
“Rodrigo is an exciting young prop, who has impressed for Argentina recently, he will bring a lot to our scrum – scrum coach Neil Fowkes and the whole coaching group are looking forward to working with him.”
The 6ft 2in Argentinian is a product of Los Tordos Rugby Club in Mendoza and was enlisted at the Argentinian Regional High Performance Center.
Martínez is the fourth Argentinian to play for the club after fellow props Gabriel Bocca in 2009/10 and Guillermo Roan in 2011/12 as well as lock Esteban Lozada, who appeared eight times for Wasps in 2013/14.