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Agustín Creevy is no longer the captain of Argentina. After five years and a record 49 tests at the front of Los Pumas the 33-year-old hooker will hand over the skipper’s armband to Pablo Matera. The change, made by new Pumas coach Mario Ledesma, was formally announced today by the Argentine Rugby (UAR) Board of Directors.
While the timing may come as a surprise just weeks ahead of the November test series, the change is not altogether unforeseen. Matera was in January named as Creevy’s successor to lead Argentina’s Super Rugby franchise, the Jaguares, an appointment also made by Ledesma.
Creevy remains an integral part of the Pumas and is expected to continue with the side through to the World Cup, but his status with the Jaguares is now under question. His three-year deal with the UAR expires in December and Creevy could be targeted by a number of European clubs to join in the new year.
With his leadership commitments no longer in place and the embargo on overseas selections now lifted, the only thing left to hold Creevy in Argentina is his impending fatherhood that looms in February. Creevy could well make the jump early as Nicolás Sánchez will following the November tour.
Matera meanwhile has fulfilled his promise to become a world class flanker and has been consistently the best on the field for club and country over the past two seasons. His first run in charge of Los Pumas will be against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on November 10.
