Pablo Matera has been introduced as a new player for the New Zealand Crusaders

Argentine rugby player Pablo Matera, third grader of Los Pumas, today presented his new crusader, New Zealand’s strongest franchise, after spending his quarantine with his wife and son in the oceanic country.

Matera was joined by Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who beat Los Jaguars in the 2019 Super Rugby Final.

“I wanted to start training with the team, but Robertson spoke to me and told me to deal with it. I’ve known the Crusaders since I was a kid on TV. I was very lucky to be able to play against them, something in Argentina,” the former alumni player told the New Zealand press. We always thought it was impossible.

In addition, Matera recalled how the Jaguares project in Super Rugby ended abruptly, after four and a half seasons of competition.

“It was sad to be honest. We were playing Highlanders in our hometown and we never did it again. Everyone had to start looking for clubs in Europe overnight. It was very difficult. But it was and now we are looking forward.” remembered.

Matera, the former captain of Los Pumas, 28, 1.93 meters and 109 kilograms, also played for Leicester and Stade Francis in France, and played the World Cup in England in 2015 and Japan in 2019.