»Pumas lock signs to boost pack,
GLOUCESTER have added to their forward power with the signings of Argentinian second row Matias Alemanno on a ‘long-term deal’ Matt Garvey and Logovi’i Mulipola on a short-term basis.
The 28-year-old Alemanno joins from Jaguares but the length of the deal has not been disclosed.
First capped by Los Pumas in 2014, the 28-year-old powerhouse has since become a key member of the Argentina pack, earning 61 caps to his name, including selection in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup squads.
Head coach George Skivington said: “Matias is a fantastic addition the squad, and I’m delighted he’s joining us.
“He brings a lot of the attributes we’ve been looking for in that area and we think he can continue to develop with us and compliment players we already have in the squad.
“He’s a physical and abrasive player, and his style of play will really suit the Gallagher Premiership, and we’re sure the fans will be looking forward to seeing him in Cherry and White.”
The experienced Garvey can operate at lock or flanker and will arrive at Kingsholm with an abundance of knowledge in the game.
Garvey possesses great leadership skills, having been named club captain at Bath between 2017 and 2019, and the towering forward started training on Monday.
He started his career with London Irish before joining Bath and has played once for England Saxons.
Skivington said: “Matt is a fierce competitor and a true professional, which is exactly the type of player we want in our squad.
“Through with his leadership, experience, and power, he will be a valuable asset to us for the remainder of the season.”
Garvey was excited to start training, and said: “I’m really relishing the opportunity to join Gloucester. I know George will be driving the club forward, and I’m really excited to play my part in that in the coming months.”
Mulipola has also linked up with his new team-mates with immediate effect, as training intensifies ahead of the restart in August.
The 33-year-old Samoan international has been capped 31 times by his country and has the ability to play on both sides of the scrum.
He will come to Kingsholm with valuable experience, more than 100 Premiership appearances under his belt for Leicester and Newcastle.
Skivington said: “It’s great to have a player of Logovi’i’s stature joining us.
“Logovi’i is a knowledgeable player who can play a key part in the remainder of our season.
“He comes with a wealth of experience, he’s strong ball carrier and a solid scrummager so I know he’ll come in and hit the ground running.”
The pair will give Gloucester’s pack a boost after the recent departures of South African trio locks Franco Mostert and Gerbrandt Grobler and prop Franco Marais.
Chief executive Lance Bradley said: “There’s not much more to come.
“We are not looking for any backs - we are pretty much the Harlem Globetrotters - and we think we have got some people who can win the ball for them and have some serious competition for places
“We have some fantastic forwards and they are now being coached in a different way which will be much more effective.
“If we could find another player that we felt would add more then we would look at that
“There is room in the salary cap we are right up against it but there probably is a bit of wriggle room if needed.
“We are pretty happy if we don’t get anyone else, we think we are in pretty good shape.”