Three Argentines in Spain team for Russia

Spain have named three Argentine-born players in their group of 23 to face Russia in the opening match of the European Nations Cup, or Six Nations B, on February 6 in Sochi. Head coach Santiago Santos is yet to name his starting lineup, but has included prop Fernando López, second row Anibal Bonán, and winger Ignacio Contardi in his match-day squad.

Both López and Contardi are relatively new to Spain, qualifying through ancestry. Lopez was a long-time member of the Pucara club in the URBA first division before signing for French club Massy in 2014, where he remains despite the club being relegated to Fédérale 1 ahead of this season. He won his first cap in the same fixture a year ago, against Russia in Madrid.

Contardi’s promotion to international honours was even faster. The Mar del Plata native arrived in Spain in August of 2013 to play for Bathco, and within weeks he was winning his first cap against Chile in Santiago. He is now in his second season with Mâcon, also in Fédérale 1.

A powerfully built utility forward, Bonan switches between lock and back row for his club side Bagneres but has been used almost exclusively in the second row in test rugby. Argentine by birth, he moved to Spain at a young age and played for Don Bosco, Cisneros, and Valladolid before settling in the French Fédérale 1 ahead of the 2012/13 season.

Two uncapped players are in the group, with former France u20 flyhalf Mathieu Bélie set to at last make his international debut after turning down the side on several previous occasions. England-born midfielder Gareth Griffiths has been selected after qualifying on residency, having previously represented the country of his birth at age grade up to u19 level.

Spain finished last year’s competition in 3rd place, winning three of five matches. They defeated Russia 43-20 in Madrid, before losing to Romania and Georgia. Victories over Portugal and Germany ended their tournament on a high note.

FORWARDS
Xerom Civil (Bordeaux), Jonathan Garcia (Bourgoin), Fernando López (Massy), Jesús Moreno Rodríguez (Provence), Juan Anaya (Galwegians), Francisco Blanco (Cisneros), Anibal Bonán (Bagnères), David González (Nevers), Jesús Recuerda (capt., Libourne), David Barrera (Vannes), Javier de Juan (Bathco), Mathieu Roca (Stade Rodez), Jaime Nava (Dijon)

BACKS
Gregory Maiquez (Bressane), Facundo Munilla (Toulon), Mathieu Bélie (Perpignan), Brad Linklater (Getxo), Thibaut Álvarez (Aubenas), Gareth Griffiths (Valladolid), Dan Snee (Valladolid), Ignacio Contardi (Mâcon), Julen Giua (Mauléon), Sergi Aubanell (Aurillac)