Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Joaquín Tuculet is the new Jaguares captain, replacing Agustín Creevy. While an official announcement is yet to come from the UAR or Mario Ledesma himself, Jorge Búsico has confirmed Tuculet is the new captain.
Captain
Tuculet has been Argentina’s starting fullback since Daniel Hourcade replaced Santiago Phelan as Los Pumas Head Coach in 2013. Of his 46 test matches during this period 45 have been starting at fullback. He was similarly been uncontested as Los Jaguares’ leading fullback in the team’s 2016-2017 seasons.
In replacing Creevy there is to be decreased responsibilities on the Pumas captain. The hooker has held down the starting positions and captaincy for both sides. This has raised questions over whether or not he was playing too much rugby.
A result for Argentina was that Julian Montoya was unable to receive frequent starts in Super Rugby. It also coincided with the departure of Facundo Bosch to France. Depth in the hooker position from home-based has also eroded from other departures.
Player management now will enable Tuculet to captain Los Jaguares with Creevy receiving reduced game time. It is a part of Ledesma’s stated policy of having the players all in top shape for international duty with Los Pumas.
Tuculet, like Creevy, is not only established but has notable prior experience abroad. The 28-year-old began his professional career in Europe, firstly for the Sale Sharks in 2011. He subsequently played in France for Grenoble and Bordeaux before joining the Cardiff Blues in Wales.
Vice-Captain
Pablo Matera is Ledesma’s candidade to be vice-captain. No decision has yet been made but the flanker is expected to be named as deputy to Tuculet.
Aged Matera is unquestionably among his country’s best forwards. He was a stand-out performer in a disappointing 2017 campaign. His form from the Quarter Final against Ireland has been repeated constantly since the World Cup.
Having been a stand-out Pumita he was starting for Argentina in the Rugby Championship as a teenager. He then signed a two-year-deal to play for the Leicester Tigers, moving to England still as a teenager. For Los Jaguares he has 22 appearances to date. Tuculet has 25.
