Argentina appoint Felipe Contepomi as new head coach

Felipe Contepomi during a Leinster Rugby squad training session in 2022.

Los Pumas legend Felipe Contepomi has been appointed new head coach of the Argentinian national side. He takes over from Michael Cheika who stepped down in the wake of the World Cup where Argentina went out at the semi-final stage to New Zealand.

The former Leinster out-half (46) was assistant to Cheika at the RWC and said he hopes he can continue on the work Cheika did in a positive manner.

"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, and for this reason I accept the opportunity bestowed on me by the UAR to continue working towards the desired goal, the 2027 World Cup in Australia,"

Contepomi featured 87 times for Argentina during his international playing career, playing in four World Cups.

At club level, Contepomi lined out for Leinster 116 times and was part of their Heineken Cup winning squad in 2009, despite missing the final. The Argentinian spent four seasons as Leinster's backs coach before leaving in 2022 to join Cheika on the national side ticket as assistant coach.

Signing off, Australian Cheika said "Having been head coach of Los Pumas fills me with pride and it's one of the experiences I've enjoyed most in my career as a coach.

"Although I was born in Australia, a big part of me will always be Argentina.

"I am convinced that Felipe and his staff are going to lead the team in the best way."