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Argentina are preparing for a busy 2021. Los Pumas will play 12 test matches, none of which will be in Argentina. In reporting for El Ciudadano, Lisando Olearo notes that the matches will come in three cateogries. First, three relocated test matches in July. Second, the Rugby Championship from August to October. Third, an end of year tour to Europe in November.
An official announcement if forthcoming. It will include quarantine periods, noting a similarity to the 2020 Tri Nations wherein Los Pumas arrived in Australia at different times and initially trained separately. This is set to continue; it will mean a total of 30 days with quarantine in the UK in July and Oceania in August.
Argentina were to play host to Wales and Georgia in July. Neither tour will happen with Argentina’s July Internationals having been changed to three matches abroad. Wales will play host to Argentina for two matches in Cardiff and the South Americans will play a third game against either Georgia or Ireland.
The Rugby Championship will be a Four Nations competition. South Africa missed the 2020 edition, thereby seeing it rebranded as the Tri Nations. The Springboks are to return, but like Los Pumas, they will miss out on hosting matches. Instead, either Australia and New Zealand will co-host the tournament or it will be staged entirely in one of the two countries. It is set to begin on August 07 with the All Blacks playing host to the Wallabies in Wellington.
The November tour will be a return to traditions. Argentina will play three test matches in Europe.. France vs Argentina is confirmed for November 06 and Italy will host Los Pumas on November 13. The remaining fixture will see Los Pumas playing against either Georgia or Ireland. It could be on October 31 or November 20.
Mario Ledesma will have a large player roster. The official size remains unconfirmed, though there will be places for players from across the world. There will be places for local and foreign-based players. As such, players involved for Argentine and South American teams in the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) will be included. They will be joined by names from Australia (Super Rugby), France (Top 14 and Pro D2), and the UK (English Premiership and Pro 14).
