Argentina's lock Tomas Lavanini attempts to break away during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between Argentina and New Zealand at the Stade de France. Photo: AFP
The Highlanders have signed rugged Argentinian lock Tomas Lavanini for next year's Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 32-year-old is known for a towering lineout presence and a physicality which at times has gone beyond the laws of the game and resulted in long suspensions for red card offences.
Lavanini has 91 caps for Los Pumas from 2013 up until last year's Rugby Championship season. He was not selected in this year's squad and has been playing for Lyon in France's top 14.
He will boost the Highlanders' locking ranks and help ease the workload of new All Black Fabian Holland and Mitch Dunshea.
Head coach Jamie Joseph said Lavanini's experience is a big plus.
"Tomas' arrival brings much-needed depth to our locking stocks, especially in an area where Fabian and Mitch have carried a heavy load over recent seasons. His experience and physical presence will not only support the group but also help drive the kind of competitive environment that raises performance across the whole squad.
"As a seasoned campaigner Tomas is built for the intensity of Super Rugby. His reputation for physicality speaks volumes and I am sure he will embrace the challenge of the competition."
Lavanini's disciplinary record is poor, with three red cards issued against him in tests for the Pumas - against South Africa in 2017 (after a second yellow card, with no ban imposed), against England at the Rugby World Cup in 2019 in Tokyo (four weeks ban) and against Ireland in 2021 (five weeks ban).
In 2014, he was suspended for a week for a dangerous charge on All Blacks captain Richie McCaw during a test in Napier.
Lavanini, who played 49 matches for the Jaguares in Super Rugby between 2016 and 2019, is not the third Argentinean player to be recruited by the Highlanders. They signed prop Mathias Diaz in 2014 and outside back Martin Bogado during the 2023-24 seasons.
The most prominent signing of a Puma player was when current captain Pablo Matera joined the Crusaders. He played a prominent role in their 2022 championship-winning season.
Lavanini said he was looking forward to joining the Highlanders early next year.
"I'm incredibly honoured to be joining the Highlanders, a club with such a rich history and affinity to Argentinean players. New Zealand rugby has always stood out for its intensity and pride and the Highlanders play with heart - something I respect deeply. I'm here to bring experience and a hunger to compete. I'm excited to work with Jamie, meet my new team-mates and help the club achieve success".
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