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Los Pumas have suffered a significant set-back for 2026. Enforcer, Pedro Rubiolo is out injured for a lengthly period. Rubiolo had been playing for the Bristol Bears with an injury but has now undergone surgery and is out for the season.
The recovery following the surgery means that Rubiolo will not be involved in the upcoming Argentine training camp this month. It also means that Rubiolo’s Premiership Rugby season is over for the Bristol Bears. The injury was a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The Bristol Bears confirmed that the operation was successful and that Rubiolo will not play again for the club this season. The focus is on him returning in time for the 2026-2027 season which begins in September.
Such an injury requires a recovery period of six to seven months. In other words, Argentina have lost their enforcer for at least the 2026 July Internationals. The three Pumas home matches in July will be part of the Nations Championship.
Depending on recovery and with Argentina’s agreement with the Bristol Bears, Rubiolo may be cleared in time for the home matches against South Africa and Australia, albeit the chances are low. In other words, Rubiolo’s next appearance for Los Pumas is likely to be in November.
The recently named training Argentine roster contains three specialist second-rowers. Efraín Elías joins veterans Matías Alemanno and Guido Petti. Flanker Marcos Kremer, who started in the position against Wales in 2025, is also included while the Australian-based Franco Molina was not considered.
The loss of Rubiolo will offer an opportunity for Alemanno to reach 100 caps and also for Elías to add to his 2 caps. There will also be opportunities for other players. Uncapped second-rowers Luciiano Acevedo, Alejandro Barrios, Franco Carrera Álvaro García Iandolino, Lautaro Simes are examples of players to monitor.
 ARGENTINA ROSTER 2026 – SECOND-ROWERS |
Matías Alemanno (Gloucester)
Efraín Elías (Toulouse)
Guido Petti (Harlequins)
