Newcastle Red Bulls confirms this signing of international scrum-half who 'schooled' the Lions
Rugby NewsMonday, 11 August 2025 at 11:25
Newcastle Falcons have bolstered their squad with the signing of Argentina scrum-half Simón Benítez Cruz on a two-year contract.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a whirlwind rise in 2024, making his international debut in Los Pumas’
historic win over the British & Irish Lions in June. Since then, he’s featured in both tests against England on their recent tour and started in Argentina’s victory over Uruguay just three weeks ago.
Currently in camp with the Pumas ahead of the Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand on Saturday, Benítez Cruz will link up with a Newcastle squad already boasting fellow countryman Eduardo Bello.
The livewire half-back was crowned MVP of this year’s Super Rugby Americas season after starring for Pampas and Tarucas. Born and bred at the CUBA club in Buenos Aires – the same grassroots home as former Falcon Matias Moroni– he’s also represented Argentina in international sevens, even crossing the whitewash against Fiji on the World Sevens Series circuit.
Speaking about his move to Kingston Park, Benítez Cruz said:
“I’m incredibly honoured to be joining Newcastle, a club which has such a strong affiliation with Argentinian players.
I’m confident this is the right move for me, and I can’t wait to pull on my Newcastle shirt in front of all our amazing fans.”
Director of rugby Steve Diamond is equally excited to get him on board.
“We’ve done our research on Simón, and he will definitely add to the group when he arrives.
He has gone well during his first few involvements for Argentina, he is a big running threat and we really see a lot of potential in him.”
With his pace, skill, and eye for a gap, Newcastle fans could be seeing plenty of Benítez Cruz lighting up Kingston Park this season.
The new era at Kingston Park is here — and it looks very, very exciting.
How Newcastle Falcons could line-up next season after Red Bull takeover
You can sync all Newcastle Falcons or Gallagher PREM fixtures to your calendar by clicking HERE.
Back Three
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Free agent)
The Welsh legend may be in the twilight of his career, but his experience, kicking game, and defensive positioning remain elite. As a calm presence at the back, Halfpenny would be a reliable anchor in a team full of new faces.
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Free agent)
The Welsh legend may be in the twilight of his career, but his experience, kicking game, and defensive positioning remain elite. As a calm presence at the back, Halfpenny would be a reliable anchor in a team full of new faces.
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Returning to rugby)
Rees-Zammit has officially ended his NFL dream and confirmed he’s returning to rugby union. The race for his signature is intense, with multiple top clubs across England, France, and Wales circling. But Newcastle, powered by Red Bull’s ambition and resources, are in with a shout. His pace and finishing would add instant star power to the backline.
Rees-Zammit has officially ended his NFL dream and confirmed he’s returning to rugby union. The race for his signature is intense, with multiple top clubs across England, France, and Wales circling. But Newcastle, powered by Red Bull’s ambition and resources, are in with a shout. His pace and finishing would add instant star power to the backline.
11. Liam Williams (Free agent)
Like Halfpenny, Williams brings world-class pedigree and versatility. Injuries have slowed him down, but on his day, he’s one of the most dangerous counter-attackers in world rugby.
Like Halfpenny, Williams brings world-class pedigree and versatility. Injuries have slowed him down, but on his day, he’s one of the most dangerous counter-attackers in world rugby.
Midfield
13. Joe Marchant (Signed from Stade Français)
A marquee arrival not just for his on-field skills but for his off-field connection—Marchant is engaged to Alan Shearer’s daughter. Expect plenty of headlines and strong support from Newcastle United fans. Offers pace, footwork, and defensive grit.
13. Joe Marchant (Signed from Stade Français)
A marquee arrival not just for his on-field skills but for his off-field connection—Marchant is engaged to Alan Shearer’s daughter. Expect plenty of headlines and strong support from Newcastle United fans. Offers pace, footwork, and defensive grit.
12. Sammy Arnold (Current player)
One of the few players to emerge with credit from a difficult campaign last season. Tough, vocal, and fiercely competitive—Arnold could be a key figure in transitioning the squad culture.
One of the few players to emerge with credit from a difficult campaign last season. Tough, vocal, and fiercely competitive—Arnold could be a key figure in transitioning the squad culture.
Half-Backs
10. Fergus Burke (Linked, Scotland international)
Currently at Saracens, Burke could be available as they reshuffle following Owen Farrell’s re-signing. A natural game manager with an eye for space, he’d give the Falcons much-needed stability at fly-half.
10. Fergus Burke (Linked, Scotland international)
Currently at Saracens, Burke could be available as they reshuffle following Owen Farrell’s re-signing. A natural game manager with an eye for space, he’d give the Falcons much-needed stability at fly-half.
9. Finlay Christie (Linked via RugbyPass)
The All Black scrum-half is reportedly on the radar. With Antoine Dupont and Aaron Smith both moving to Sevens and aging out, the market for world-class No.9s is hot—Christie would be a real coup.
The All Black scrum-half is reportedly on the radar. With Antoine Dupont and Aaron Smith both moving to Sevens and aging out, the market for world-class No.9s is hot—Christie would be a real coup.
Front Row
1. Adam Brocklebank (Current player)
A product of the academy and one of the most consistent performers during tough times. His work rate and loyalty make him a strong candidate to keep his spot even amid the influx of talent.
1. Adam Brocklebank (Current player)
A product of the academy and one of the most consistent performers during tough times. His work rate and loyalty make him a strong candidate to keep his spot even amid the influx of talent.
2. George McGuigan (Signed from Gloucester)
A fan favourite returning home. McGuigan is a dynamic ball-carrier and set-piece leader who adds both leadership and quality. A huge boost.
A fan favourite returning home. McGuigan is a dynamic ball-carrier and set-piece leader who adds both leadership and quality. A huge boost.
3. Eduardo Bello (Current player)
The Argentine prop has committed his future to the club, signing a new deal despite strong overseas interest. Solid in the scrum and physical around the park.
The Argentine prop has committed his future to the club, signing a new deal despite strong overseas interest. Solid in the scrum and physical around the park.
Second Row
4. Freddie Clarke (Signed from Gloucester)
A mobile lock with a high engine, Clarke adds athleticism and Premiership experience. Could become a key leader in the new era.
4. Freddie Clarke (Signed from Gloucester)
A mobile lock with a high engine, Clarke adds athleticism and Premiership experience. Could become a key leader in the new era.
5. Jack Dunne (Released by Exeter Chiefs)
Dunne has previously worked with Red Bull through their athlete development program. At 6'8", he offers real size and untapped potential.
Dunne has previously worked with Red Bull through their athlete development program. At 6'8", he offers real size and untapped potential.
Back Row
6. Courtney Lawes (Speculative)
A dream signing. Lawes is currently with Brive, who missed out on promotion to the Top 14. If Red Bull can tempt him back to England, it would be a statement move—and he deserves better than ending his career in the French second tier.
6. Courtney Lawes (Speculative)
A dream signing. Lawes is currently with Brive, who missed out on promotion to the Top 14. If Red Bull can tempt him back to England, it would be a statement move—and he deserves better than ending his career in the French second tier.
7. Tom Christie
The Crusaders’ openside flanker is highly regarded for his relentless work rate and defensive tenacity. At 27, Christie is entering his prime and has been a crucial part of multiple Super Rugby Pacific title runs. Despite his form, he’s yet to break into the All Blacks squad, making a move overseas an attractive option. Newcastle see him as the perfect fit to bolster their back row with both experience and proven winning pedigree.
The Crusaders’ openside flanker is highly regarded for his relentless work rate and defensive tenacity. At 27, Christie is entering his prime and has been a crucial part of multiple Super Rugby Pacific title runs. Despite his form, he’s yet to break into the All Blacks squad, making a move overseas an attractive option. Newcastle see him as the perfect fit to bolster their back row with both experience and proven winning pedigree.
8. Amanaki Mafi
Another bright light in a struggling team. The South African has been a warrior for the Falcons—powerful in contact and tireless in defence.
Another bright light in a struggling team. The South African has been a warrior for the Falcons—powerful in contact and tireless in defence.
Final Thoughts
This prospective lineup blends proven internationals, hungry up-and-comers, and homegrown stalwarts. While not all deals are confirmed, the ambition is clear: Newcastle Falcons, backed by Red Bull, want to challenge at the top of English and European rugby.
With a revitalised stadium, elite-level investment, and a fanbase hungry for success, Newcastle could go from relegation candidates to genuine contenders—almost overnight.
Game on.
TOUGH QUIZ: Can you name EVERY British & Irish Lions captain of the past 50 Years?
ur to the land of the Springboks in 2021.
To make this a little bit more difficult, some of the more recent tours included multiple captains, with both needed to be named if you want to ace this Lions Tour quiz. You have six minutes to get all of your answers down, and your time starts... Now!
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading