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Juan Ignacio Brex is set to play for Italy in the upcoming Rugby Europe Olympic qualifier event. The 26-year-old has previously represented Argentina on the World Sevens circuit and the Nations Cup. With an Italian passport, however, he will now switch allegiance using the ‘Olympic loophole’ after observing a three-year stand-down period.
A physically imposing outside center, Brex emerged from the San Cirano club in the URBA Top 14. He graduated from the Pumitas u20s first to the Pampas XV in the Vodacom Cup, then the Pumas Sevens and Argentina XV sides. At nearly 100kg, Brex stood out from typical Argentine backs.
When a contract opportunity did not arise with the Jaguares, he opted to move to Italy, signing a two-year contract with Viadana in 2015. After scoring 13 tries in the 2016-17 Super 10 season, he was snapped up by Benetton Treviso, where he has impressed though injuries have limited his playing time.
Brex will wear the Italian shirt for the first time this coming weekend as the Azzurri Sevens will play against Portugal, France, and Hungary on Saturday. In doing so he will henceforth become eligible to represent Italy in the XVs game as well, forgoing his eligibility for Los Pumas.
