The Injured: Argentine Medical Update

The status of the mid-year rugby internationals is unclear a final decision on matches is forthcoming. Argentina is scheduled to play host to three test matches in July. They are to be two home games against Wales and one against Georgia. With an eye to the potential fixtures there are a number of Pumas sidelined. This article documents the injured Pumas, or an Argentine medical update.

Mario Ledesma’s used Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro and Mayco Vivas as his loose head props in 2020. Both men are now in doubt for July. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro was injured playing for the Bristol Bears. His next professional match is likely to be for Benetton. He will join the Italian team to play in the new Pro 14, the Rainbow Cup, next season. Mayco Vivas underwent an operation and is sitting out the 2021 Súper Liga Americana de Rugby season.

2020 starting hooker Julián Montoya is another in doubt. His move to the Leicester Tigers was an instant hit. To the delight of Leicester supporters, Montoya converted his test form into club form. He is currently sidelined and has been for the past month. No return date has yet been confirmed.

Tight head prop Ramiro Herrera has undergone surgery. He was on the longlist for Argentina in 2020, but he missed out on the final roster. The nature of his recovery means that the La Rochelle player will not be considered for international duty in July 2021.

The Argentine Hulk Marcos Kremer was injured in a recent Top 14 match. He suffered fractured to his ankle and leg, though it is expected that he will be able to recover in time for July. At the time of the initial diagnosis, it was feared that the injury would be season-ending.

Fellow Pumas flanker Santiago Grondona is out for the season. The 2020 Argentine debutant suffered a torn knee ligament in training at the Newcastle Falcons. He returned to Buenos Aires for surgery. His expected return is marked down for August.

Another back-rower to have been injured is Facundo Isa. The Toulon N8 will be fine to represent his country in July. Both he and clubmate, Ramiro Moyano have sat out rugby recently. They will both be fit for international duty if selected.

Juan Cruz Mallía suffered a finger injury in February. He was ruled out of playing for Toulouse for two months. He is expected to be fit again within two weeks. The mid-fielder may be able to return for Toulouse’s home match against Racing 92 on April 24.

Bordeaux signed Bautista Delguy as a medical joker. Like many names mentioned above, Delguy had a strong tournament in the 2020 Tri Nations. He is a medical joker that has gone on to play regularly; however, he is presently recovering from injury. He is expected to be on the field later this month.