The Geographical Distribution of Los Pumas in 2016

Of Argentina’s 30-man roster at Rugby World Cup 2007 all but four players were from Buenos Aires. This was a reflection of URBA’s quality within Argentina. It was also, according to the provinces, evidence that changes were needed for the future.

Following that tournament efforts were made to set-up a system that would monitor players starting from a young age. Known as PladAR, high performance centers were set-up in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario and Tucumán. The same five cities are Argentina’s largest.

The efforts have succeeded in enabling an increasing number of players to filter into Los Pumas than in 2007. Indeed Juan Manuel Leguizmón was joined by just three other non-porteño players in France. Daniel Hourcade’s 33-man Rugby Championship roster is different. Included are players from provinces in the north to Ramiro Herrera from the south.

Hourcade’s home province of Tucumán featured just Omar Hasan in 2007. Today the list includes five – Gabriel Ascárate, Ramiro Moyano, Matías Orlando, Lucas Noguera Paz and Nicolás Sánchez. Córdoba and Rosario have both also been clear benefactors.

Missing out at present is Mendoza. Hourcade opted against the selection of Cuyo players. Gonzalo Bertranou was a surprise omission with Felipe Ezcurra instead being selected. Also out is Rodrigo Báez to injury.

Not withstanding Hourcade’s roster demonstrates a closing gap. Of his 33 players 18 are from the Buenos Aires union and 15 from elsewhere. Put differently today 54% are from Buenos Aires today while in 2007 the number was 87%.

The Geographical Distribution of Los Pumas in 2016 signifies progress. PladAR made it possible for players to come through the system at home. They no longer needed to, like Leguizamón and countless others, move to Buenos Aires.