Excitement building for Socino ahead of Rugby World Cup
Newcastle Falcons newest full international Juan Pablo Socino is relishing the opportunity to play on the sport’s biggest stage after forcing his way into Argentina’s World Cup squad.
The 27 year old centre enjoyed an impressive first season in the Aviva Premiership with the Falcons during 2014/15, before making his Los Pumas debut against the French Barbarians in June.
His performances in these two, non cap tests, were enough to warrant inclusion in the country’s side for the Rugby Championship and after earning two caps against Australia and South Africa, was named in the 31 man Rugby World Cup squad.
He grabbed a try in the 55-34 win over Leicester Tigers last weekend and is loving every minute of his adventure.
Speaking to the club in the week after the triumph against Tigers, Socino said: “The Preparation has been amazing so far, with hard training sessions and tough competition within the group.”
“I’m really excited now and I just want it to start. I want to live it as much as I can in every detail possible. We have a good group with great rugby players who are willing to give everything. We believe that is up to us to go all the way, we think we have enough quality to achieve that.”
“I found out I would be in the squad in the changing room after the South Africa game in Buenos Aires. First of all I was relived after a few weeks with a lot of tension building up to the announcement. And then I was just really happy! Only two months ago I was finishing a great season with the club and getting ready to go home for holidays and then I was going to play for my country in the sports biggest tournament.”
Now back in England as he and his team mates gear up for their opening match against New Zealand on Sept 20, it is that game that the centre is most looking forward to.
“No matter where I get to be, it’s going to be incredible.”
And while his international exploits have yet to see him take part in any training with his club mates so far, Socino is fully up to date with how things are progressing at Kingston Park.
“I read online about everything that’s going on at the club and I also speak to some of my team mates. Obviously my brother is training with the squad and he has been keeping me up to date too.”
