Felipe Contepomi, the head coach of Argentina's rugby team, has unveiled a dynamic 34-man squad for the upcoming Nations Championship, blending seasoned warriors with fresh talents. Among the squad are rugby stalwarts such as Pablo Matera, Matías Alemanno, and Julián Montoya, alongside five promising uncapped players, signaling a bold stride into the 2026 Test season.
Contepomi’s selection strategy introduces three newcomers in the forward pack—Luciano Asevedo, Leonel Oviedo, and Juan Penoucos. The backs are boosted with the inclusion of Agustín Fraga and Mateo Soler. Particularly notable is the designation of Fraga and Penoucos as player development prospects, highlighting the coach’s vision for nurturing future talent.
The coach expressed his enthusiasm about the blend of experience and potential.
"We are very happy to be back with the team and to start the year playing at home in front of our fans,"
said Contepomi. He emphasized the importance of development players in the squad, stating,"It is extremely important for us to get to know them even better and to prepare them for the future."
This year, Los Pumas have a packed schedule in July with high-profile games against Scotland, Wales, and England. Following this, they will confront the formidable Springboks and Australia in standalone Tests during August. The inclusion of players from the Top 14 finalists Toulouse and Montpellier, who will join the squad next week, further bolsters the team’s capabilities.
Contepomi’s squad reflects a strategic mix of experience and youthful zest, which could be pivotal for the high-stakes matches in the Nations Championship. The coach's approach not only focuses on immediate challenges but also on the strategic development of players who can carry the team's legacy forward.
Los Pumas squad in full:
Forwards: Matías Alemanno, Luciano Asevedo, Francisco Coria Machetti, Pedro Delgado, Santi Grondona, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Franco Molina, Julián Montoya, Joaquín Moro, Joaquín Oviedo, Leonel Oviedo, Juan Penoucos, Guido Petti, Tomás Rapetti, Ignacio Ruiz, Mayco Vivas, Boris Wenger
Backs: Tomás Albornoz, Simón Benítez Cruz, Mateo Carreras, Santi Carreras, Lucio Cintu, Bautista Delguy, Agustín Fraga, Gonzalo García, Rodrigo Isgro, Ignacio Mendy, Matías Moroni, Agustín Moyano, Gerónimo Prisciantelli, Nicholas Roger, Faustino Sánchez Valarolo, Mateo Soler
The blend of hardened experience and budding potential in Contepomi’s squad selection sets the stage for an intriguing Nations Championship, promising not only competitive matches but also a glimpse into the future of Argentine rugby.