The Crusaders have added some serious firepower to their forward pack for the 2022 season with Argentinian International Pablo Matera set to join the franchise next year.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says they know Matera is keen to get back to playing Super Rugby and they are excited by the prospect of him joining the club.
Coach Scott Robertson says Matera is one of the premier loose forwards in World Rugby.
Matera's entire Super Rugby career has to this point been with Argentinian club the Jaguares.
Matera became a hero in Argentina last year after he captained the Pumas to their first-ever win over the All Blacks but his reputation was tarnished months later after "xenophobic and racist" comments he made in 2011 resurfaced.
He was stripped of the Pumas captaincy as a result but Robertson says there is still plenty to be excited about.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders are on a bye this week and will take on the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final next week.
The Hurricanes will face the Highlanders at 7.05 tonight while the Blues will play the Chiefs at 7.05pm tomorrow.
[Source: TVNZ]
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