Leicester Tigers have completed the signing of Argentina hooker Julian Montoya for the 2021-22 season, according to a report from the BBC.
Players at the Jaguares werte told by the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) last month that they are free to take up offers from offshore clubs to continue playing rugby.
The 59-cap Pumas hooker, who was first linked with a move to Welford Road by Rugby Inside Line, was one of his countries star performers at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
His four terrific display saw him score four tries, which included a terrific hat-trick against Tonga.
The 26-year-old will be a replacement for experienced Wallabies international Tatafu Polota-Nau, and joins Tigers hooker ranks alongside Tom Youngs, Jake Kerr and Shalva Mamukashvili.
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LIST | 5 world-class players who rejected Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers are one of the biggest clubs in the world and it is hard for any rugby player to reject a chance to play in a historic club like Tigers.
However, there have been some truly world class rugby stars s who have rejected the opportunity to ply their trade at Welford Road.
1. Damian McKenzie
The All Blacks star was reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ with Tigers over a proposed move in 2017 according to The Rugby Paper. When asked about the transfer, the 22-year-old avoided the question, which only fuelled speculation, but the deal was never complete with McKenzie eventually signing a new deal to stay in New Zealand.
2. Jonathan Davies
It was reported in 2018 that the Scarlets midfielder was "sounded out" by the Gallagher Premiership giants about his future plans amid uncertainty in Welsh regional rugby. Davies, instead, committed himself to Welsh Rugby and Scarlets, turning down a move to Welford Road.
3. Marvin Orie
Orie apparently caught the eye of Leicester management during a short-term loan with Ospreys late last year when he joined the Welsh side as a “medical joker” in October after being overlooked for the Springboks' Rugby World Cup squad. However, the Springbok lock turned down a move to Welford Road and will instead head to Japan to play in the Japanese Top League.
4. Thierry Dusautoir
The then France captain snubbed a move to Leicester and signed a two-year contract extension with Toulouse. Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen revealed the East Midlands club were in talks with the back-row in 2015, but he decided to remain in the Top 14.
5. Ross Moriarty
According to multiple sources, Tigers emerged as favourites in February 2020 to tempt the British Lions back row away from the Dragons. However, Moriarty rejected the move after the Dragons, together the WRU, came back with a more lucrative offer, which he'd accept.
