Contract Extensions for Three More Jaguares

Three more players have signed contract extensions with the Jaguares. Following the six previously announced, props Enrique Pieretto and Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro as well as flanker Javier Ortega Desio have re-signed with the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) through to the end of the 2019 season. In doing so it ensures that the trio will be available to the Pumas through to Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

The signing of Ortega Desio in particular will be a relief to Argentine fans following the departure of Facundo Isa to France. Ortega Desio has instead opted to turn down offers from French clubs to stay in country and focus on his place in the Pumas. The blindside flanker was used as a makeshift lock with surprising success for both the Jaguares and Pumas after the serious injury to Tomás Lavanini, but Ortega Desio’s best position is undoubtedly on the side of the scrum. He enjoyed his finest season to date in 2016, appearing in all 13 tests for Argentina, starting in 10.

Versatile prop Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro also proved his versatility in 2016. While he had played both sides of the scrum at domestic level, his representative rugby had come almost entirely on the tighthead side before last year. With Marcos Ayerza overseas and Lucas Noguera Paz injured, Tetaz Chaparro was asked to fill in at loosehead and he did so with no complaints. Injury ruled him out of the end-of-year tour to Japan and the UK but he remains a key component of Argentina’s plans heading towards RWC 2019.

With Tetaz Chaparro concentrating on loosehead it was Pieretto who understudied for Ramiro Herrera at tighthead, occupying the reserve role in all 13 tests. The 22-year-old showed plenty of promise, with his strength in the scrum of particular note. Unfortunately his year came to an inauspicious end, earning a red card at Twickenham for an ill-advised stamp on a prone Joe Marler. The Jaguares, evidently, are convinced he can overcome his moment of madness and develop into a top class prop forward.