“The club proposal was attractive” – Argentina lock Franco Molina reveals why he joined Western Force

After finishing ninth in the 2025 Super Rugby season, the Force have added significant depth to their squad ahead of the incoming season opener. Headlining this class of signing is All Blacks international George Bridge, as well as two Los Pumas stars in Agustin Mayano and Molina.

Molina has 19 caps at the international level, including a start in the Pumas' 28-24 win over the British and Irish Lions. The Lock has previous overseas experience in England, with the Exeter Chiefs, appearing in the European Champions Cup. Molina has also played in Chile (Selknam, 2022) as well as making the majority of his starting appearances in Argentina, with 38 starts between the Jaguares XV (2019-21) and Dogos XV (2023-24)

"It's good to have some Spanish talking in the club and outside the club. I'm happy to have them here. It makes a lot of difference, I've been in a lot of teams where I'm the only Argentinian guy. And it's tough for us, coming here and being three is easy for us. If one of us doesn't understand something, we can explain it to the other. And off the field, it helps a lot."

"Obviously the weather is quite similar to back home. Only difference is the beach here." Molina added. "The tournament we came to play here is really great. It's really good to come here and play this really intense rugby."

Ahead of the 2026 season, Simon Cron is set to enter his fourth year as head coach of the Force. After multiple years of struggling at the club, Cron has completely revitalised the force. Being on the brink of a finals spot last year, an end-of-season collapse left them ultimately short.

"Yeah, I think the club proposal was attractive. When Simon called me, I really got interested in the project he had in his head, as well as getting to come here and play some Super Rugby. It's great for us Rugby players, coming to the best tournament in the world to play some Rugby here."

Following his signing, Molina becomes the next piece in a Second Row already stacked with international-caliber players. This includes Australia's Darcy Swain, who recently signed for Top 14 side Clermont after the conclusion of the 2026 SRP season. After announcing the signing of the Argentina international back in July, Cron expressed the importance of Molina's signing.

“One of the big issues for us in 2025 was the ability to manage minutes with Jez (Jeremy Williams) and Darcy (Swain). Continuing to grow depth, and positional strength, for the squad is key at Super Rugby." Cron explained. "He’ll complement that group that we’ve got in the tight five. He’s a hard worker, explosive, powerful, and very fit. It’s an area where we’ve got to keep getting bigger, stronger and better at. Now he’ll join Lopeti Faifua, Darcy and Jez and add a lot to the team.”

Molina will make his first appearance tomorrow with a friendly against the Reds, starting in the second row alongside Lopeti Faifua. During his recent interview, the Argentinian international expressed his excitement at finally seeing the field for the Force.

"Yeah, it's good to start playing now. My last game was like two months ago, I've been here for just three weeks, so a bit of running and now straight into a game. It's great to be playing now."

The Western Force's trial game against the Reds will kick off at 4:35 PM WST at Scotch College with free entry to fans. The Force will also kick off their Super Rugby season in just under a month, with a clash against the ACT Brumbies.

1. Late bloomer on the Test scene – Despite being part of Argentina age-grade setups since 2016, Molina didn’t make his senior Los Pumas debut until 2024, aged 26.

2. Super Rugby Americas veteran – Before Europe and Super Rugby Pacific, he reached the final in four consecutive Super Rugby Americas seasons with three different clubs, winning titles with Jaguares XV (2022) and Dogos XV (2024).

3. Played in Europe too – He spent the 2024–25 season with Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership, including European Champions Cup appearances

4. Featured in a Lions scalp – Molina started for Argentina in their 28–24 win over the British & Irish Lions in Dublin in 2025.

5. Multi-club journey before Perth – The Córdoba-born lock has played professionally in Argentina (Jaguares XV, Dogos XV), Chile (Selknam), England, and now Australia with Western Force.