Leicester Tigers sign fly-half Joaquín Díaz Bonilla adding to Argentinian contingent

Leicester Tigers have signed Argentina fly-half Joaquín Díaz Bonilla ahead of the 2020-21 Premiership season.

The 31-year-old, who has four Test caps, guided Jaguares to the 2019 Super Rugby final where they lost 19-3 to the Crusaders.

Bonilla amassed 119 points during that tournament but was not named in his country’s Rugby World Cup squad later that year as Los Pumas opted for Nicolas Sanchez and Benjamin Urdapílleta.

Now, he will join countrymen Tomás Lavanini and Matías Moroni at Welford Road as the dramatic exodus from Argentina continues.

“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 Tigers director of rugby Geordan Murphy.

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

“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.”

After a chaotic summer in the East Midlands, Zack Henry has been a success story of Tigers return to action. A recruit from Nevers in France, he kicked 20 points in a 28-24 win over Northampton Saints earlier this month.

However, the 2020-21 Premiership season is due to start on November 20, mid-way through England’s upcoming autumn campaign. George Ford is unlikely to be available for Leicester until mid-December and will probably miss another chunk of domestic matches over the 2021 Six Nations.