Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Argentina XV roster has been named for Toulon. Argentina’s ‘A’ side will play host to the Top 14 club in two matches. Head Coach Felipe Contepomi has named a roster including Jaguares players Felipe Arregui, Gonzalo Bertranou, Felipe Ezcurra, Juan Cruz Guillemaín, Marcos Kremer, Manuel Montero and Tomás Lavanini.
The first of the two matches will take place on Saturday July 29 at CASI. It is to be the curtain-raiser for the ICBC Nacional de Clubes final. Kick-off is scheduled for 1.10pm.
The inclusion of Super Rugby players gives them all an important opportunity of receiving valuable game time. Of them Felipe Arregui, Felipe Ezcurra, Juan Cruz Guillemaín, Marcos Kremer, Manuel Montero and Tomás Lavanini had limited opportunities in the 2017 Super Rugby season.
For some players the lack of opportunities was due to being down in the pecking order. For others it was a case of additional activities. Lavanini was managed to be available for Los Pumas while Kremer featured in the Junior World Championship in Georgia.
The roster also contains new inclusions. Former Stade Français prop Benjamín Espinal joins newcomers in the form of Urú Curé lock Diego Galletto and CUBA winger Tomás Passaro.
Facing Toulon marks the third stage of the 2017 calendar for the Argentina XV. Prior activity has come in the Americas Rugby Championship and the World Rugby Nations Cup. The Argentine side failed to be crowned champion on both occasions despite having entered as favorites.
Following the first match Felipe Contepomi and his assistants will name a roster for the second match. That game will be played at Tucumán Lawn Tennis on Friday August 04.
ARGENTINA XV:
Forwards: Felipe Arregui, Gaspar Baldunciel, Cristian Bartoloni, Rodrigo Bruni, Benjamín Espinal, Diego Galetto, Agustín Gómez di Nardo, Francisco Gorrisen, Juan Cruz Guillemaín, Marcos Kremer, Tomás Lavanini, Santiago Medrano, Santiago Montagner, Santiago Portillo, Mariano Romanini, Nicolás Solveyra
Backs: Santiago Álvarez Fourcade, Gonzalo Bertranou, Juan Cappiello, Bautista Delguy, Bruno Devoto, Rodrigo Etchart, Felipe Ezcurra, Juan Cruz González, Tomás Granella, Fernando Luna, Santiago Mare, Manuel Montero, Tomás Passaro, Franco Sábato
