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Aaron Younger recently left Pro Recco after spending five years at the club and retired, but the 11-time European champion will have an Australian player on its roster.
Left-handed wing Luke Pavillard will wear Recco's cap starting from the upcoming season.
Pavillard, 29, began playing water polo in Perth. Between 2015 and 2019, he studied in the United States and played for the University of Pacific's college water polo team in Stockton, earning several individual awards.
In 2021, he moved to Europe and joined Barceloneta. During three seasons at Barceloneta, Pavillard won three Spanish Leagues, three Spanish Cups, three Spanish Super Cups, and the bronze medal in the 2023 Champions League.
He made his debut for Australia in 2015 but became a regular member of the national team only in 2022 after showcasing his skills in European water polo. Since then, he has been one of Australia's key players, making significant contributions to the team's success at the Paris Olympic Games. Although the "Sharks" finished eighth, they delivered excellent performances and defeated some of the favorites. Pavillard scored four goals in an 8:3 victory over Serbia, which ultimately won the gold medal in Paris.
Pavillard left Barceloneta last summer. This year, he returned to Australia and joined Fremantle Mariners as the captain. He scored 90 goals in 18 matches in the 2025 Australian League. Fremantle finished in 4th place.
