Former Leinster outhalf Felipe Contepomi has succeeded Michael Cheika as the head coach of Argentina.
Contepomi, who played 116 times for Leinster in a six-year spell, linked up with Los Pumas as a member of their coaching staff in 2022. He had previously been part Leinster’s backroom team as attack coach.
Cheika, Leinster’s former head coach, led Argentina to the semi-finals of the recent World Cup in France. After a disappointing opening defeat to England, Argentina finished second in their pool before beating Wales in the quarter-final. They were beaten heavily by New Zealand in the semi-final before Cheika’s last game in charge, another defeat to England in the third-placed playoff.
As a player, Contepomi was capped 87 times by his national side, featuring in four World Cups.
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“I had the honour of assisting Michael Cheika in the implementation of a sporting project that challenged and excited us as part of a great Argentine rugby team,” said Contepomi of his appointment.
“For this reason I accept the opportunity bestowed on me by the UAR (Argentine Rugby Union) to continue working towards the desired goal, the 2027 World Cup in Australia.”
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