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Argentina’s first ever professional team continues to take shape with leading second-rower Tomás Lavanini having been the latest player to sign. The 22 year old joins the Argentine Super Rugby franchise from Racing 92 whom he started for in the Top 14 play-offs.
Lavanini joins Matías Alemanno, Guido Petti and Juan Cruz Guillemáin to give the Argentine franchise four specialist second-rowers, of whom three are currently in Sydney, Australia preparing for the Rugby Championship. Lavanini is expected to start with either Alemanno or Petti to be joining him while Cruz Guillemaín was not selected.
Prior to playing in France Lavanini was an established played for the famous Hindú club in Buenos Aires. He was spotted early and played nine matches for Argentina at under 20 level in 2013 and also earned his first cap that year against Uruguay. He trained with the Pumas during that year’s Rugby Championship and received game time against South Africa in Mendoza.
With Santiago Phelan being replaced by Daniel Hourcade Lavanini immediately became a permanent member of the squad. He was on the bench against Wales and Italy in November 2013 and has subsequently been in the starting lineup.
With less than three months to go Lavanini is a certainty to be starting against New Zealand at Wembley stadium wearing the number 5 shirt. He can go into the World Cup knowing that his long term future is secure. His contract with the UAR will see him available for Super Rugby and to play representative rugby at all times from January 1 2016 to December 31 2018.
Lavanini told reporters”I am happy to be back, in this project which brings great enthusiasm. It is amazing that everything is already done. It is going to be incredible to be able to play Super Rugby and continue playing for Los Pumas”.
