From Australia to Croatia: Luke Pavillard granted change of sports citizenship

Australian-born water polo player Luke Pavillard has been cleared to represent Croatia in official international competitions after World Aquatics approved his change of sporting nationality, the Croatian Water Polo Federation (HVS) has announced.

The 30-year-old left-handed player, who joined Zagreb club Mladost from Italian side Pro Recco this summer, is now eligible to play for the Croatian national team, known as the Barakude.

Pavillard is a Croatian citizen and had previously expressed his wish to represent the country through his family heritage. His mother and grandfather are both from Croatia.

Croatia head coach Ivica Tucak confirmed in March that the national team was interested in bringing Pavillard into the squad.

“He is a top-class, quality player who has expressed a desire to play for the Croatian national team, for the country of his mother and grandfather,” Tucak said at the time.

“I think we need a player of his profile. He has the quality to help us, and players of this quality who want to play for Croatia are absolutely welcome.”

As part of the requirements for representing Croatia, Pavillard needed to move to the country and play for a Croatian club. His transfer to Mladost from Pro Recco this summer fulfilled that condition.

He had already trained with Croatian national team players during previous gatherings but was unable to feature in official matches while the administrative process remained incomplete.

World Aquatics’ approval has now removed that obstacle, making him available for selection by Tucak.

Born on 13 March 1996, Pavillard stands two metres tall and plays as a left-handed outside player.

He previously represented Australia, making his senior international debut in 2015. He was also part of the Australian team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

His eligibility gives Croatia another option as the national team prepares for upcoming international competitions.