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Pedro Delgado has gone from Super Rugby Americas 2024 to defeating the World Champions. He did so in his home town of Santiago del Estero. Delgado played the final quarter for Argentina. He was a 60th minute replacement for Joel Sclavi who scored in the first half.
The 27-year-old Delgado is a product of the Old Lions club. Old Lions compete in Argentina’s Torneo Regional del Noroeste (NOA). The club defeated Los Tarcos of Tucumán 29-26 to be crowned 2023 champions. Los Tarcos is the home club of Pumas winger Mateo Carreras.
Delgado’s test debut made him the fifth Puma from Santiago del Estero. He follows Juan Manuel Leguizamón, Facundo Isa, Tomás Lezana and Bautista Pedemonte. Interestingly, Delgado is the first Santiagueño Puma who is not to a back-rower.
Juan Bautista Pedemonte made his test debut against France in July. So too did Franco Molina who joined Delgado in the win over South Africa. Molina was Delgado’s captain in Super Rugby Americas 2024.
Additional rookie Pumas in 2024 include Francisco Coria Marchetti, Joaquín Moro, and Efraín Elías. Coria Marcehetti and Moro both debuted against Uruguay in July. They were try scorers in the big win in Punta del Este. Elías debuted in the win over New Zealand in Wellington. He is now with Toulouse in France.
Delgado’s test debut came three months after the Super Rugby Americas Final. Delgado replaced Octavio Filippa from the bench for Los Dogos. The Córdoba-based side defeated Los Pampas 37-23. Delgado, Elías, Molina and Moro all played in the final.
