Young Argentine fly-half linked to Leicester

By Denise
August 24 2002

Juan Martin Hernandez, a 20 year-old Argentine fly-half with a bright future has been linked with a move to Welford Road.

Early in the close season their were rumours of Tigers signing an Argentine fly-half, but no announcements were made and talk eventually died down followed by hopes that Pat Howard would make his return.

It seems that Juan visited the club at the beginning of July and met up with Deano. Hernandez states "They were extremely kind and friendly. They told me that it was better to get fit back in Argentina and then meet again". And it seems he is taking that advice as he stayed in Buenos Aires over the summer.

Wasps are also interested in signing him and the injury he has actually occurred when he was on his way to a trial with the London club. However, Leicester soon expressed their interest and the young stand-off finds it an attractive prospect.

"It is the best club in Europe and the guys I met - Josh Kronfeld, Neil back, Austin Healey and others were very nice and helpful."

His preferred position is fly-half but he is also a dab hand at centre or full-back, his versatility would make him an asset for any club but his fly-half skills would be highly valued at Leicester.

Legendary Tiger Les Cusworth currently working in Argentina rates the young fly-half so highly that Tigers should move heaven and earth to get him signed regardless of the complications. The major one being the fact he has not yet got his first international cap therefore it will be difficult to get the required European papers.