Goldfields product tipped for lucrative Italian contract
Goldfields-born water polo star Luke Pavillard is set to continue his decorated career with Pro Recco as the Italian powerhouse looks to bolster its ranks after a long line of departures.
Pavillard has been linked to Pro Recco since early this year after an official contract offer.
The 29-year-old is not on Pro Recco's 2025 team list and club officials have yet to confirm any incoming reinforcements.
However, a European source last week reported Pavillard would be among the star non-European replacements for up to seven departures that include fellow Australian Aaron Younger.
Founded in 1913, Pro Recco has won the lucrative Champions League a record 11 times.
Pavillard was last year among the best performers in national men's team the Aussie Sharks that finished eighth at the Paris Olympics by scoring 14 goals in seven games.
He also boasts a gold medal and a silver medal playing for Australia in tournaments dating back to 2017 and 2022, respectively.
The Aussie Sharks have been in the US training with the American team before heading to similar camps in Thailand alongside the Croatian and Serbian national teams.
Serbia are the reigning Olympic champions, with the Asian camps considered vital lead-ups for the Sharks ahead of the World Cup that starts in Singapore on July 12.
Pavillard took up water polo in Perth during his early teens thanks to the influence of his father Hugh.
Hugh Pavillard arrived in the Goldfields in the mid-1980s and was a key figure when water polo was among the biggest participation sports at the old Lord Forrest Olympic Pool.
It included a mid-1990s stint on the State League roster of the now-defunct Goldfields Vikings.
After the family left the region in about 1998, a young Luke began his water polo journey with the Melville Sharks at the Bicton Baths.
He missed selection for the Tokyo Olympics, but moved into the professional ranks with a three-year contract with Barceloneta in the Champions League.
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