TOMAS
LAVANINI
Personal Profile
Tomás Lavanini is one of the most recognizable and physically dominant forwards in world rugby. A veteran lock for Argentina's Los Pumas with over a decade of international experience, and currently playing for the Highlanders in New Zealand's Super Rugby Pacific, Lavanini offers brands a rare blend of old-school toughness, global club pedigree, and genuine crossover appeal as an entrepreneur.
Lavanini represents grit, longevity, and reinvention. Beyond the field, he co-founded FOMO Café, a specialty coffee shop in Vicente López with 18 employees, showing brands a dimension of discipline and business ambition that extends well past rugby.
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THREE-TIME WORLD CUP VETERAN: Over 91 caps for Los Pumas across three Rugby World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023), including historic wins over the All Blacks in Christchurch (2022) and Wellington (2024).
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GLOBAL CLUB PEDIGREE: A career spanning France's Top 14 (Clermont, Lyon), England's Premiership (Leicester Tigers), and now New Zealand's Super Rugby Pacific — giving brands reach across every major rugby market in the world.
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PROVEN ENTREPRENEUR: Co-founder of FOMO Café, a thriving specialty coffee business with 18 employees, making him a credible partner for lifestyle, food & beverage, and entrepreneurship-focused campaigns.
PERSEVERANCE
CONSTANCY
MODESTY
CAREER
2012-2014
Hindú Club
Came through the youth ranks in Buenos Aires before turning professional.
2016-2019
Back home after his French experience to become one of the key players of the Jaguares, part of the team that reached the 2019 Super Rugby final.
2026-Present
Highlanders
Signed with the Highlanders for Super Rugby Pacific 2026, adding New Zealand to a career that spans every major rugby market.
2014-2015
Racing 92
First European experience, in the Top 14. A well recognized team of one of the most competitive Rugby Leagues.
2019-2021
Leicester Tigers
Brought his physical style to England's Premiership, playing for one of the most awarded teams in rugby.
2021-2025
Clermont & Lyon
Returned to France's Top 14 with ASM Clermont Auvergne (2021-2024) and LOU Rugby in Lyon (2024-2025).
2013-Present
Debuted in 2013 vs. Uruguay, at age 20. Played three Rugby World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023); part of historic wins over the All Blacks in 2022 and 2024; recalled to the squad in August 2026 after a two-year absence.