Scarlets seal deal for Pumas flanker
THE Scarlets have signed Argentina back-row ace Tomas Lezana.
The 27-year-old makes the move from Western Force. Lezana has 39 caps to his name and is seen as a ready-made replacement for Jac Morgan, who has made the switch to the Ospreys.
Regarded as a strong ball carrier, he can play at eithr blindside or openside flanker, giving incoming head coach Dwayne Peel extra options in the back row for next season.
Lezana made his international debut against France in Paris in 2014 and came off the bench in Argentina’s famous victory over the All Blacks last year.
He has played for the Jaguares in Super Rugby and this season has featured for Western Force in Super Rugby AU.
“We are delighted to have secured the signing of Tomas for next season,” said general manager of rugby Jon Daniels.
“Tomas has played at the top level with the Pumas and also has a huge amount of experience in Super Rugby.
“He is someone who will give us an extra carrying threat and he is renowned for his high defensive stats and work rate.
“With Josh Macleod still recovering from his Achilles injury and James Davies also working his way back to fitness, we feel we needed to bolster our back-row resources ahead of next season and are looking forward to welcoming Tomas to Parc y Scarlets.”
Lezana said: “It is an honour for me to be joining a side with the great history and traditions of the Scarlets.
“Having played in Super Rugby with the Jaguares and Force I am looking forward to testing myself in Northern Hemisphere rugby and playing at the top level of European competition.
“Scarlets have some great players in the squad, players who I have come up against at Test level and I can’t wait to meet up with the boys and get started.”
Lezana becomes the second Scarlets signing of the year following the capture of tighthead prop WillGriff John from Sale Sharks.
International aces Wyn Jones, Blade Thomson, Ryan Elias and Aaron Shingler have also signed new deals, along with Carwyn Tuipulotu, Morgan Jones and Javan Sebastian.