Rugby: Argentinian Prop Signs with Highlanders

The Highlanders have signed Argentinian tighthead prop Matias Diaz on a one-year deal.

The 20-year-old Diaz plays for the Teque Rugby Club rugby in Argentina and made his test debut for the Pumas against Uruguay in the South American Championships earlier this year.

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph said Matias would be a welcome addition to the team for the coming season after losing experienced front-rowers Jamie Mackintosh (Chiefs) and Tony Woodcock (Blues).

"Matias is a good young player from what I have seen so far. He's already proven that he can play at international level against the best teams in the world, so his talent is evident,'' Joseph said in a statement.

After making his test debut against Uruguay, Diaz then played for the Argentinian under-20 team at the junior world championships in France in June.

Diaz then joined the Pumas squad for the Rugby Championship and most recently played against South Africa in Soweto.

Highlanders general manager, Roger Clark said signing Matias was a real coup for the Highlanders.

"We're really excited about Matias joining the team for next season. There are not many quality tighthead props available in the New Zealand market, so to be able to confirm a young player of his potential is great news.''

Diaz will join the Highlanders squad after his international commitments in November.

Yesterday, the Highlanders confirmed the signings of forwards Tom Franklin and Gareth Evans on two-year contracts, while Japanese international halfback Fumiaki Tanaka signed on for one more season.

The Highlanders will announce their full squad for next season at the end of the month.