Thomas Gallo Sets Front-Row World Cup Record for Defenders Beaten

Thomas Gallo is officially in the record books. Opta Analyst reports that the loose head prop from Tucumán, Argentina has smashed the record for both defenders beaten during a Rugby World Cup campaign.

In his debut Rugby World Cup, Gallo has thus far beaten 18 defenders. This is the largest number by a front-rower at any Rugby World Cup tournament. Of note is that it is not a record by a prop but a record by a front-rower. In other words, Gallo has set a new record mark which includes hookers.

Thus far at Rugby World Cup 2023, Gallo has defeated 18 defenders as a ball-carrier. The previous record was 12. It was held by Argentina’s captain Julián Montoya. He overtook Samoa’s Jonathan Meredith and New Zealand’s Keven Mealamu who both defeated 11 defenders at Rugby World Cup 2023.

Montoya is now tied for second with Samoa Malolo. The Samoa prop matched Montoya’s mark of 12 defenders beaten. Malolo did so at Rugby World Cup 2023. He played for Samoa in Argentina’s pool which also contained Chile, England and Japan.