Leicester Tigers signs Pumas flyhalf Bonilla

Leicester Tigers have signed fly-half Joaquín Díaz Bonilla. The Argentina international will join Tigers ahead of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season from Super Rugby side the Jaguares.

Bonilla has made four international appearances for Los Pumas since his debut in 2018 and has previously represented Argentina at Under-20 level.

The 31-year-old made more than 130 appearances for Argentinian club Hindu before joining the Jaguares in 2017, ahead of their second Super Rugby season, and played a starring role in the run to the 2019 Super Rugby Final alongside future Tigers team-mates Tomas Lavanini and Matias Moroni.

Part 1 of The Academy – The Leicester Tigers BTS documentary.

Part 1 of The Academy – The Leicester Tigers BTS documentary.

An exciting, athletic fly-half, with a successful goal kicking record, Bonilla will add “valuable depth” to the Leicester squad according to Tigers Director of Rugby Geordan Murphy.

“Joaquín is a very exciting addition for us and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Leicester ahead of next season’s campaign,” said Murphy.

“He will add valuable depth to our squad and alongside George [Ford], Zack [Henry] and Johnny McPhillips, provide plenty of healthy competition in a key position, which is a positive thing for us as we continue on this journey.”

Murphy also believes his contribution off the pitch will be a boost to the club, adding: “In our conversations with Joaquín, what has stood out is his positive character and energetic personality.

“We have been very open about wanting good people as much as good players, who are willing to work hard and live up to the standards we have set, and Joaquín is very excited to be a part of what we are building in Leicester.”

Bonilla joins fellow Argentina international Matías Moroni and South African back-rower Jasper Wiese as additions to the Leicester Tigers squad ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.