Leicester Tigers have signed Argentine flanker Pablo Matera on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has been drafted in as cover for the injured Tom Croft, who is sidelined for the rest of the campaign with knee ligament damage.

Matera has won eight caps for his country following his debut back in May.

Leicester begin their Heineken Cup campaign on Friday night when they face Treviso at Welford Road.