Leicester Tigers have signed Argentinian international Tomas Lavanini for the 2019/20 season from the Jaguares.
At 6ft 7in and weighing around 20 stone the 26-year-old is quite literally a massive addition to the squad.
Speaking about his move the forward talked about his delight and honour in joining the English outfit.
“It is an exciting challenge for me to make the move to the Premiership next season and one I am very much looking forward to. To join a club like Leicester is a huge honour and I can’t wait to become a Tigers player, working alongside the players in the squad and playing at Welford Road,” he said.
Lavanini, who spent a season in Europe already with Racing 92, also spoke of desire to create success at Leicester.
“The club is entering a new chapter under Geordan murphy and I’m keen to contribute and help build on the success of the past,” he added.
Leicester head coach Geordan Murphy is excited by the signing of the physical Argentinian.
“Tomas has played an important part in a big, physical and impressive Los Pumas pack and he has a lot of experience for a player of his age. He brings a lot of the attributes we’ve been looking for in that area and we think he can continue to develop with us. We’re delighted that he has agreed to join the Tigers and we’re sure the Welford Road supporters will give him a big welcome,” he said.
Lavanini brings a large amount of experience from the international stage having already been capped 47 times by this country and is a key member of the squad heading to the World Cup later this year.
The Argentinian will join Calum Green, Munster man Jaco Taute, Leinster’s Noel Reid, Nephi Leatigaga and Jordan Taufua as a new recruit in the Tigers set-up next season.
Leicester are also boosted by the contract renewal of England star centre Manu Tuilagi as they hope to bounce-back from a poor season in the Premiership.
