Cardiff Blues are delighted to confirm the signing of Argentina international Joaquin Tuculet.
Utility back Tuculet - who can play centre, wing or full back – has put pen to paper on a deal at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park initially until the end of the season.
Tuculet joins countryman Lucas Amorosino at Blues and will link up with the region following the completion of his current commitments with Argentina.
The dynamic 25-year-old has played a total of 19 games for his country – most recently last Friday as Argentina defeated Italy in Genoa – since making his international debut in 2012.
Tuculet has started at full back in both Argentina’s tour matches this autumn, against Scotland and Italy, and has scored a total of six international tries.
The Puma – who has had playing spells at Sale Sharks, Grenoble and Bordeaux Begles - also featured for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham earlier this month.
Director of Rugby Mark Hammett said: “Joaquin is a quality international player who will add to the squad we are building here at Cardiff Blues. We all look forward to his arrival in the coming weeks.
“Joaquin is strong under the high ball, has a strong left footed kicking game and is also very good at offloading in the tackle.
“His versatility gives us real options in the back line and with the recent injury to Rhys Patchell his signing also comes at the right time for us.”
Tuculet said: “I spoke with my international team-mate and friend Lucas (Amorosino) and he told me all about the passion of the supporters and the quality of the staff and the players and so I did not hesitate when making the decision to join the region.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and the coaching staff. I know I will be working with a very talented and ambitious group and so I am determined to have a strong season and I hope to show the Cardiff Blues supporters my best rugby.”
Factfile:
Full name Joaquin Tuculet
Born August 8, 1989, La Plata
Major teams Argentina Jaguares, Bordeaux Begles, Grenoble, Sale Sharks, Argentina
Position Centre/Full Back/Wing
Height 6ft 0in
Weight 202lb