Bristol Bears have confirmed outstanding Argentina international prop Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro is set to join Italian side Benetton Rugby ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The 54-cap Argentina international arrived at Bristol on a short-term deal last month to provide cover for Kyle Sinckler while he is away with England playing in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.
After making his Bears debut off the bench against Sale Sharks, Chaparro made his first start for the club in the 18-17 victory over Gloucester Rugby in an outstanding performance which drew the praise of director of rugby Pat Lam.
Sadly it only lasted 22 minutes before he was replaced by Jake Woolmore after pulling his calf and is now set to be sidelined for at least six weeks.
Chaparro, who can play both sides of the scrum, will make the switch to the PRO14 at the conclusion of the current Gallagher Premiership campaign.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: "We're pleased for Nahuel and his family to have the security to continue playing with Benetton Rugby in the Pro14 for the next three seasons.
“Although Nahuel joined us on a short term as cover for Kyle Sinckler, he has fitted in really well and, despite the unfortunate injury sustained last weekend, we are hoping he will be back before the end of the season.
Discussing the performance of Chaparro against Gloucester when speaking to Bristol Live this week, Lam said: "He was phenomenal.
"I used him as an example this week [in review], he has had the least time here this week, just six weeks but in that 20 minutes it was unbelievable the job he did for the team.
"I showed a clip of him this morning about the picture perfect way he presented the ball and yet there are some guys who have been here for three or four years who aren't doing it as well.
"He picked everything up and did his job.
"He showed his character as well, he actually strained his calf in the scrum and Gloucester broke out and he hobbled all the way back and got into the guard position, it went wide and he hobbled there. He had any excuse to stop, and it might have been good if he had stopped, but he just kept going because he didn't want to let the team down.
"His injury is a real shame because what he showed us is why he is world class."
Chaparro proved his world class credentials earlier this year after starting at tighthead for the Pumas in their famous 25-15 victory over the All Blacks back in November.
Sadly for the Bears the clock is now ticking as to whether he will be able to feature again this season, but with another 13 rounds of Premiership Rugby, plus Europe and the additional knock-out rounds Lam is hopeful he will be back to play a further part.
But Lam warned: "Calves are really tricky, it could be a long term one, but hopefully he will be able to get back to play for us.
"At the moment it is a question of how long it is going to be, I would say definitely six weeks but it might be longer because it was a big pull.
"We are waiting to get some more information back but calf injuries are not good for props."
