Argentina star Orlando leaves Newcastle

Matias Orlando has spent four seasons at Newcastle Falcons

Argentina international Matias Orlando has been released from his Newcastle Falcons contract early.

The 32-year-old has been allowed to leave Kingston Park before the end of the season "to pursue a new playing opportunity" according to a club statement.

Centre Orlando has made 45 appearances in four seasons with the north-east club, but has not figured in a match squad for the Falcons in 2024.

Falcons rugby chairman Matt Thompson said: “He has been a really positive presence around the club and has always been willing to share his vast experience with our players and coaches.

"He has now got a great opportunity to continue his career elsewhere, and we could not stand in his way in terms of agreeing his release prior to the last two games of our own season.”

Orlando has 47 caps for the Pumas and played in the team that registered the national side's first win against New Zealand, in 2020.