World Cup finale is my goal – Bristol Bears’ Matias Moroni

Matias Moroni hopes his 18-month contract with Bristol Bears will give him the platform to end his long Test career at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The 34-year-old Argentina centre, who has previous Premiership experience with Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Red Bulls, signed a short-term deal with Bristol last month as injury cover.

He impressed the Bears’ director of rugby Pat Lam, who offered him a deal through to the end of the 2026-27 campaign, which will end a few months before the World Cup starts.

“It was an easy decision to return to Bristol,” said Moroni, who started the 2022 Premiership final for Leicester against Saracens and picked up a winner’s medal.

Target

“I was in Argentina without a club and waiting for an opportunity.

“The Prem is one of the best tournaments in rugby, and to continue to play for Argentina, I need to be in this type of environment.

“When I spoke to Pat about the future, he said he wanted to help me reach the World Cup and I feel I am at the best club to help me achieve that.

“I am 34, but I am fully committed to the game and want to be as fit as possible. I know that 2027 could be my last big year for the Pumas and making Australia is my target.”

Impressive: Bristol Bears‘ Matias Moroni breaks against Bath

PICTURES: Getty Images

Compatriots

Moroni has a number of compatriots at Ashton Gate with the Grondona brothers, Pedro Rubiolo and Benjamin Elizalde all on the Bears’ books.

They marked the festive period with dinner together on Christmas Eve.

“They made it easier for me to settle,” said Moroni. “I also played with Ellis Genge (the Tigers’ captain in the 2022 final) at Leicester and that, together with Bristol’s vision, made it an easy decision to sign.

“When you arrive at a club, you have to adapt to what the coaches want. When I was at Leicester, there was a lot of kick and chase. Here we run a lot and it is a case of fitting in.

“I had a couple of years with Newcastle. It was a tough period for the club when a lot of crazy things happened, although it is not for me to say what.

“I had a really good time with the people there and hope that the investment they now have helps bring back the good times.”

International: Moroni in action for Argentina

Ambitions

Moroni made his Test debut in 2014 and has featured in three World Cups, starting the 2023 semi-final against New Zealand.

“The rugby season is all-year round for us and you have to handle it,” he said. “The game in Argentina is semi-professional, and if you want to play for the Pumas, which we all do, you have to play away.

“I had a chat with Felipe Contepomi (Argentina’s head coach who also played for Bristol) when I signed here and he congratulated me.

“Bristol and Argentina have the same approach to the game and I hope that helps me.

“Our next international is in July and there is a long way to go before then. I have to play well for Bristol and help the club realise its ambitions.

“There is a lot of the season still to play and it is about being there on the final day.”