Highlanders sign Pumas star

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Bogado will follow in the footsteps of teammate Pablo Matera, who played for the Crusaders last year.

Previously playing in France's Top 14 competition as an injury replacement for Bayonne, Bogado, 24, is touring Europe with Argentina and will join the Highlanders early next year.

A product of Argentina's high-performance system and has played professionally in the Americas Super Rugby League for Paraguay's Olympia Lions in 2021 and a Jaguares XV in 2022. He played for an Argentina XV when they beat Georgia and Portugal earlier this year and was called into Michael Cheika's squad for Argentina's northern tour.

A wing who can also cover fullback, he uses his 1.91m and 97kg well to create problems for opposing defences and he is the final squad member for the southern franchise.

In a Highlanders' press release, Bogado said, "I am excited to be joining the Highlanders. To have the opportunity to play Super Rugby and to represent such a prestigious team is a dream for me.

"The move to New Zealand represents a fantastic challenge and was one I had to accept.

"New Zealand's rugby culture, and the New Zealand culture in general, is something I greatly admire and I'm sure this experience will help me to grow, on and off the field. I want to continue improving as a player and become the very best I can be. I have no doubt the Highlanders is the perfect place to achieve this."

Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody welcomed the confirmation of Bogado's move.

"We are looking for someone to complement our outside backs, and Martin fits the bill perfectly. His physical attributes and ability to compete in the air will benefit us.

"He is keen to come out and try a new environment and to further his game. He is clearly talented having already picked up a few games for an Argentinian XV and we believe he is an exciting prospect for us and the future."