LEONARDO Senatore looks poised to join countryman Agustin Creevy in signing up to Argentina’s new Super Rugby franchise.
Influential hooker Creevy announced last week he would be leaving Worcester Warriors in the summer to be a part of the new side, which launches next year.
Flanker Senatore, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, is also understood to have been offered the chance to sign for the franchise.
Although director of rugby Dean Ryan did not reveal the 30-year-old would be leaving, he believed Creevy’s decision could be a “catalyst” for more European-based Argentinians to make the move.
“I think it is slightly different (for Leonardo),” Ryan said. “I don’t know what his situation is, but Gus is clearly a catalyst for others, so we’ll have to see how it plays out.”
The Argentina captain has become a popular figure at Sixways since his arrival from Montpellier in 2013, but the Warriors boss admitted he did not fight hard to retain his services.
“We spoke to him and we knew all the factors around it,” he said. “But when you are holding negotiations and you probably think it is right that he goes back you don’t fight that hard as you accept that it is probably the right decision.
“Sometimes that happens. You can’t fight against something that is probably right, so we were in conversations very early and we were very aware of the backdrop.
“To be captain of your nation and to be at the centre of that is quite an exciting challenge, so it’s right that Gus goes home.”
Ryan said he was also confident he had enough cover at hooker for next season with Niall Annett, Dan George and Ben Sowrey all fighting for the number two shirt.
“I don’t think it leaves a hole in our side,” Ryan added. “The fact is he has not played a huge amount for us. We know what he is capable of and we obviously want that in the final few games.
“But also you have to give credit to Niall Annett and Dan George who they have fought hard for places.
“We are not panicking about the situation as I am confident that people will come forward and develop.”