An international heavyweight is reportedly linking up with the Stormers after successfully concluding negotiations with the Cape franchise.
According to Rapport, 91-Test Argentine lock Tòmas Lavanini is expected to arrive in Cape Town in December once his international commitments with Argentina are complete.
The 33-year-old could join even sooner if Felipe Contepomi leaves him out of the Pumas’ Test plans later this year.
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Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson reportedly targeted Lavanini as a direct replacement for departing locks Ruben van Heerden and Salmaan Moerat.
Van Heerden is set to join Montpellier, while Moerat is heading to La Rochelle after the Stormers’ Vodacom URC campaign concludes.
Known as one of world rugby’s most physical second-row forwards, Lavanini brings a wealth of experience after playing top-flight rugby across Europe, New Zealand and Argentina.
The veteran Puma has represented clubs including Racing 92, Leicester Tigers, Clermont, Lyon and the Highlanders during a professional career spanning more than a decade.
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
