In a bold move that’s stirring up the rugby world, the Stormers are on the brink of securing Los Pumas enforcer Tomás Lavanini, the Argentine lock known as much for his bruising play as his disciplinary mishaps. As the Stormers aim to patch up their squad for the upcoming season, Lavanini appears to be their man of choice, especially with Springboks Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden heading for the French Top 14.
Tomás Lavanini, nearing the prestigious 100 Test cap milestone with Argentina, is not just any player. His career is littered with as many controversies as accolades, notorious for his collection of cards that paint him as one of rugby's bad boys. Yet, his physical prowess is undeniable. Towering at over two meters and tipping the scales at 120 kilograms, Lavanini is a formidable force in the scrum, maul, and lineout battles. His extensive club journey includes stints with Jaguares, Racing 92, Clermont, Lyon, and Leicester Tigers, currently adding muscle to the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific.
"We've really struggled to find someone locally who can fill the boots we need,"
admitted John Dobson, the Stormers' director of rugby. His quest for a seasoned warrior to bolster the team’s ranks seems to have led him to the Argentine giant.
The potential snag in this deal, however, revolves around Lavanini's international obligations with Argentina. The Stormers need a lock who can remain on deck without the frequent absences that plague teams during the international windows—a tall order given Lavanini’s commitment to the Pumas.
As the Stormers strategize for a robust season, the inclusion of a player like Lavanini could be exactly what the doctor ordered: a blend of experience, might, and a dash of notoriety, promising to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Will this gamble on the notorious lock pay off? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the Stormers are not shying away from making a statement in the rugby world.
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In a bold move that’s stirring up the rugby world, the Stormers are on the brink of securing Los Pumas enforcer Tomás Lavanini, the Argentine lock known as much for his bruising play as his disciplinary mishaps. As the Stormers aim to patch up their squad for the upcoming season, Lavanini appears to be their man of choice, especially with Springboks Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden heading for the French Top 14.
Tomás Lavanini, nearing the prestigious 100 Test cap milestone with Argentina, is not just any player. His career is littered with as many controversies as accolades, notorious for his collection of cards that paint him as one of rugby's bad boys. Yet, his physical prowess is undeniable. Towering at over two meters and tipping the scales at 120 kilograms, Lavanini is a formidable force in the scrum, maul, and lineout battles. His extensive club journey includes stints with Jaguares, Racing 92, Clermont, Lyon, and Leicester Tigers, currently adding muscle to the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific.
"We've really struggled to find someone locally who can fill the boots we need,"
admitted John Dobson, the Stormers' director of rugby. His quest for a seasoned warrior to bolster the team’s ranks seems to have led him to the Argentine giant.The potential snag in this deal, however, revolves around Lavanini's international obligations with Argentina. The Stormers need a lock who can remain on deck without the frequent absences that plague teams during the international windows—a tall order given Lavanini’s commitment to the Pumas.
As the Stormers strategize for a robust season, the inclusion of a player like Lavanini could be exactly what the doctor ordered: a blend of experience, might, and a dash of notoriety, promising to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Will this gamble on the notorious lock pay off? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the Stormers are not shying away from making a statement in the rugby world.