Tigers add Los Puma Julian Montoya

Leicester Tigers have signed Argentina international Julián Montoya.

The Los Pumas hooker will join the club for the remainder of the 2020/21 season on a multi-year deal.

Montoya has been capped on 63 occasions for Argentina, including Rugby World Cup campaigns in 2015 and 2019, since making his Test debut against Uruguay in 2014.

The 27-year-old has scored nine tries at international level and was part of the Argentina squad at the 2020 Tri Nations, featuring in the history-making victory over New Zealand.

Montoya began his senior career at Club Newman in Buenos Aires in 2013, before joining Pampas XV in 2014 for two seasons and then signing for the Super Rugby side Jaguares in 2016.

An international representative at Under-20s level in 2013, he spent four seasons in Super Rugby and played in the 2019 Final against the Crusaders alongside current Tigers trio Tomás Lavanini, Matías Moroni and Joaquín Díaz Bonilla and against his soon-to-be Leicester team-mate Jordan Taufua.

Speaking about the addition of Montoya, Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick said: “Julián is a world-class front-rower, with an impressive rugby resumé who will bring vital depth to our squad.

“He joins us off the back of an impressive showing for Argentina in their recent series against the All Blacks and Wallabies, where he was one of the Los Pumas’ best throughout their record-breaking campaign.

“Julián is a tough, hard-working and no-nonsense hooker who we are confident will be a strong inclusion to our front-row ranks at Tigers and the type of character we want at our club in Leicester.”

Montoya added: “I am really, really excited about this new adventure. I love the Premiership, it’s one of the best competitions in the world, and I am really excited to be at a club with the history of Leicester Tigers.

“There is a new staff, new players and a lot of experience across the squad, on a path to be a successful team again.

“I am looking forward to being a part of it and giving my best for the team and the club.”

Montoya arrived in the United Kingdom earlier this month and, having now completed the signing process, will link up with his new Tigers team-mates in Leicester this week to compete for selection in the club’s next fixture.