New Saints deal is a dream come true for Estelles

Juan Pablo Estelles is staying at Saints beyond this season

The back, who can play on the wing or at centre, was one of 11 men who recently penned a contract extension.

Estelles’ new deal was reward for some impressive form since joining the club on an initial three-month trial after representing his country in the Rio Olympics last summer.

And the 28-year-old is happy to have the chance to stick around at Saints beyond the current campaign.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Estelles said.

“I’m really looking forward to spending some more time at Saints and trying to play as hard as I can and enjoying my time here.

“It’s like a dream come true for me.”

And he added: “The last couple of months have been a huge experience for me.

“I’ve been learning a lot playing here in one of the best teams in Europe and the boys have been really, really helpful with me. So I’m really liking being here.”

With Saints out of the Anglo-Welsh Cup, the players have had the chance to recharge the batteries ahead of the big east midlands derby against Leicester Tigers on March 25.

So what did Estelles get up to?

“I went travelling by myself for a week,” he said. “I went to Puerto Rico and I’d never been before. I needed some sun!

“I’m used to the warm weather of Argentina so I just took off by myself to take some time to relax and I needed it.

“I haven’t been on holiday for the last three years so it was good to have a week off and recharge my batteries for the rest of the year.”

Estelles is now looking forward to locking horns with Leicester in a crucial Aviva Premiership clash at Franklin’s Gardens.

Saints are currently sixth in the standings, three points behind their local rivals.

And Estelles said: “The boys haven’t warned me about derby day at all! But I’m expecting a big crowd and a massive game.

“We’re looking forward to playing Bedford (in a friendly on Friday) first though.

“It’ll be a good game to see where we stand for not only the 15 that are playing every weekend but also the ones that are on the bench or not getting a lot of game time in the first team.

“So it’s a good chance for us to go out there, have fun, do our best and prepare ourselves for next week against Leicester, which will be a massive game for us.”