Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The new Head Coach of Argentina, Mario Ledesma has formally requested for props Juan Figallo, and Ramiro Herrera for the Rugby Championship. Los Pumas will play in the grueling annual competition, doing so in home-and-away matches against Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa starting on August 18.
Ledesma confirmed on ESPN Scrum Argentina that he has requested the Saracens and Stade Français contracted props. Their inclusion would bring to an end the blockade on European-Based players representing Los Pumas. The policy began following RWC 2015.
The players clubs’ have been contacted with Ledesma now awaiting confirmation as to when they will be available. According to World Rugby’s Regulation 9.23 (notification of the right to release players), clubs must be request 14 days prior to a match.
Argentina play against South Africa in Durban on August 18, in under 2 weeks time. The involvement of Figallo, and Herrera may thereby need to wait until after the opening round of the Rugby Championship.
ESPN Scrum Argentina questioned Ledesma as to why Figallo and Herrera. Both players are, after all specialist tighthead props. The Argentine Head Coach responded by saying that regarding loosehead props “we are good”. The likely meaning of this is that Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro will revert from tighthead to loosehead as has previously occurred.
The inclusion of additional players based in Europe will have to wait. While there is no place for Juan Imhoff for the time being, it is highly noteworthy that the door has opened. Following Figallo, and Herrera’s selection it is increasingly likely that others will have a chance of returning to Los Pumas.
