French clubs hunting Pumas

Rumblings from France indicate that Top 14 clubs are in hot pursuit of several current Argentina players following the completion of the Rugby Championship. While it appears the rumored move of Guido Petti to Toulon is no longer on the table, the French club is targeting Facundo Isa after his outstanding displays for both the Jaguares and Los Pumas. Mourad Boudjellal has reportedly met with the 23-year-old during the week with a proposal that the powerhouse no8 return to the south of France. Isa previously spent the 2013/14 season with Toulon’s Academy side, making one Top 14 appearance as a replacement.

Among others to receive offers are Javier Ortega Desio and Pablo Matera. The former has been a regular in the Pumas squad this season, showing his versatility by filling in at lock as well as his preferred flanker position. His athleticism and lineout ability are seen to be highly desirable. Matera meanwhile has solidified his status as one of the world’s most destructive flankers, highlighting his ball-carrying ability in recent weeks to go with his fearsome tackling and strength at the breakdown.

The news will be of great concern to the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) who have committed to selecting only players based in Argentina for Pumas honors, with an exception granted to Tomás Cubelli, currently on contract with the Brumbies in Australia. With several top class players already exiled, it would be a catastrophic blow to lose emerging superstars to European clubs. Argentina cannot compete with the money on offer by the European clubs, and with only one Super Rugby franchise spots are limited. Such news may force the UAR’s hand to reconsider their selection policy, at least for the short-term while they look to establish a second home-based professional outfit.