Force tight head prop Medrano #202 it set to return to his adopted hometown of Perth.
A Force favourite over the last two seasons, Medrano has been a pillar in the front row, dominating crunch time.
After a whirlwind three months and Argentina squad duties, Medrano is itching to pick up where he left off here in the West.
“It wasn’t a hard decision to come back. I extremely enjoyed playing for the Force and Perth over the last two years.” Medrano expressed.
“I have been talking to Hodgo [Matt Hodgson], Simon Cron [head coach] and the coaches for a while now. I just made the decision to come back, and it feels right.”
After his departure in June, Medrano was thrusted straight into the thick of test season.
“After I finished the season with the Force, I was on tour for two games with the Argentina XV in Europe and then I went on tour with the Argentina Pumas.”
Re-signing until the end of 2023, Cron’s knowledge around set piece was a main contributor in luring the formidable prop back.
“The key is the scrums, I have heard that Cron is really knowledgeable about scrums and that is an area I am looking to strengthen. This is the key to improving my game entirely.” Medrano stated.
“I have heard positive things about Simon, from our phone calls he is passionate about the season ahead and is very switched on about what needs improving.”
“In the last two years, we have been taking little steps to get to the team we want to be, first of all we need to train how we want to play. I have been told by many Cron has come in and started that.”
Cron is pleased Medrano has retuned stating his broad stature and international experience will further improve the current squad on and off the field.
“What happened in Worcester opened a door for us to entice him back. He knows what he wants to achieve in his career and that lined up with what we are aiming for here at the Force.” Cron claimed.
“Medrano is an experienced tight head. As his position develops with age, his experience and depth are what we need within this squad. We are thrilled to have him back to throw his size around and showcase his X factor around the park.”
“The boys have been positive, the ones that know him get on really well with him. He sounds like a great team man and the squad is eager to get him back as soon as possible.”
Ready to get Medrano out on the field testing himself and the wider squad, Cron is confident he will push the squad further in pre-season.
“The key for Santi is to get him on the field so the coaches, and I can start assessing how we can help him with his scrumming, ball carrying, and discover what we need to do to improve on his already well-established work rate.” Cron assured.
Known for his laser focus Medrano’s goals are clear for the season ahead.
“What we do on and off the field is for one reason, to win and make finals. I believe we can do that next year.” Medrano declared.
“One of my goals is to make the World Cup team for Argentina. I know I can play good rugby in Perth and know that this move back will assist me in my pursuit.”
Medrano is set to arrive in December this year.
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