Two Argentines have made their debut appearances for their new European elite clubs. Santiago Grondona debuted for the Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership and Joel Sclavi debuted for La Rochelle in the Top 14.
Both players are firmly on Los Pumas’ radar for Rugby World Cup 2023. Grondona made his test debut for Argentina in 2020 and came back from surgery to earn further caps in late 2021. Sclavi is uncapped but has missed out on multiple opportunities due to injuries. He is among the best Argentine tight head props in the scrum.
Grondona made his debut for Exeter against London Irish. He played opposite fellow Pumas flanker Juan Martín González. The Exiles were 18-14 winners over the Chiefs. Grondona had a solid debut making 27 meters from four carries and completing eight tackles.
Sclavi debuted in a 29-23 defeat against Montpellier. He was an early replacement as he came off the bench to play for 41 minutes. He completed five carries and two tackles in the match.