Felipe Contepomi’s South American giants head to Australia in 2027 with their sights set on another run deep into the knockout phase.

Argentina have established themselves as one of the sport’s leading international sides and have reached the semi-finals in three of the past five Men’s Rugby World Cups, and have featured in every tournament to date. 

Under head coach Felipe Contepomi, Los Pumas have claimed statement victories over the British and Irish Lions and New Zealand, beating the All Blacks in Argentina for the first time.

They are widely expected to top Pool C in Australia, with Fiji likely to provide their sternest test. Attack coach Kendrick Lynn has added subtlety to complement the team’s traditional physicality.

The challenge for Argentina is likely to be whether they can perform consistently enough to win the tournament, as there are few doubts over their ability to compete in one-off matches. 

Players to watch

Julián Montoya

Argentina are expected to be led by inspirational hooker Julian Montoya, who has established himself as one of the world’s most durable and consistent players in recent seasons. He has led his country 55 times, more than any other player in the nation’s history.

Pablo Matera

Argentina’s most-capped player is likely to play a crucial role in his fourth Rugby World Cup. The abrasive back-row is the only Argentine to have been selected in World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year and is one of only 15 players to have been selected multiple times.

Juan Cruz Mallía

Mallía has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the world since he made his Pumas debut in 2018. At club level, he scored Toulouse’s only try in their victory over La Rochelle to clinch the 2021 European Champions Cup. 

RWC icon 

World-class scrum-half Agustín Pichot led his country to their best-ever finish at a Rugby World Cup in 2007, when they beat hosts France twice in a matter of weeks to finish third.

Pichot continues to play a leading role in the sport and is at the heart of Argentina’s bid to host Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035.

RWC cult hero

Only New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock has played more Men's Rugby World Cup matches than the 22 Agustín Creevy managed across four tournaments, which is all the more impressive as he didn’t make his RWC debut until he was 26.

The hooker won 110 caps in a 19-year international career that saw him captain the side 51 times. Creevy’s work in the loose was exceptional, with Argentina fans affectionately likening him to Sonny Bill Williams for his offloading ability. 

Head coach

Ex-Pumas captain Felipe Contepomi took on the mantle of head coach after Rugby World Cup 2023, having served as attack coach under predecessor Michael Cheika. 

In a 15-year international career, he established himself as one of Argentina’s finest players and enjoyed a successful club career in England, Ireland and France. Since taking on the role, Contepomi has led Argentina to fifth in the world rankings. 

Most memorable match

Argentina’s 34-10 victory over France in the 2007 bronze final put the exclamation mark on their best-ever Rugby World Cup.

The South Americans scored five tries, including scintillating efforts from Federico Martín Aramburú and Ignacio Corleto. Perhaps the game’s defining moment was Contepomi’s dramatic bow to the crowd after sealing the victory with his second try minutes before the final whistle. 

Pool journey

4 October, 2027 v Canada (Brisbane | Meeanjin)
10 October v Spain (Melbourne | Narrm)
16 October v Fiji (Adelaide | Tarntanya)

Did you know...?

Argentina is famous for its high-quality beef and Argentinians consume nearly 50kg of beef on average every year.

The country’s capital, Buenos Aires, is regarded as the birthplace of tango, with the dance’s origins commonly thought to lie in the city’s port in the late 19th century.

Located in the far south of the country, Ushuaia lays claim to the title of the world’s southernmost city. 

RWC history

Key stat

Argentina hold the record for the biggest second-half comeback in a Men’s Rugby World Cup game, beating Samoa 32-16 in 1999 after trailing 16-3 at the interval.

RWC Fast facts

• RWC debut: 1987
• RWC best finish: Third (2007)
• Most RWC appearances: Agustín Creevy (22)
• Top RWC try scorer: Juan Imhoff (7)
• Top RWC points scorer: Nicolás Sánchez (156)