Los Pumas Sevens, one of many circuit’s most dominant forces lately, touched down in Dubai with a squad buzzing with potential. Amongst them, 5 keen debutants, every hungry to etch their title into the elite world of worldwide sevens rugby.
Santiago Gómez Cora, the shrewd Puma 7s coach beginning his fourteenth season in cost, spent the low season meticulously scouting replacements for a wave of exits. Veterans like Matías Osadczuk – a finalist for Sevens Participant of the 12 months -and Agustín Fraga, now thriving with Argentina XV, have traded the short-form dash for the total 80-minute grind of fifteens, while Germán Schulz has retired. A bittersweet transition that has left room for reinvention.
On the coronary heart of the squad stays a battle-tested core: the electrifying Marcos Moneta, the metronomic scrumhalf Joaquín Pellandini, the poised captain Santiago Mare, and the versatile Matteo Graziano. But, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fas approaching looming, infusing youth is way wanted. As Gómez Cora tells RugbyPass, the main focus isn’t on silverware this season, as candy and welcomed because it could possibly be, however on constructing a dynasty for the lengthy haul.
“We’ve acquired 5 potential debutants who’ve earned their spot after a grueling, high-calibre preseason,” Gómez Cora says. “We’re changing gamers who’ve shifted to fifteens or drifted from our 2028 and 2032 imaginative and prescient. We now have targeted on the long run somewhat than the quick time period.”
This gamble carries danger for a group that’s redefined dominance since snagging bronze at Tokyo 2020 (delayed to 2021). They’ve claimed the final two HSBC SVNS League titles, solely to stumble on the Olympic stage, edged out by Antoine Dupont and France in Paris 2024. A medal in LA isn’t only a dream; it’s backed by Argentina’s Nationwide Excessive Efficiency Program (ENARD), which ties funding to podium finishes.
The return of Tokyo medalist and 2023 Rugby World Cup star Lautaro Bazán Vélez provides a steadying hand, bridging the hole for newcomers Eliseo Morales, Sebastián Dubuc, Valentín Maldonado, Martiniano Arrieta, and Juan Batac.
“All of this may cost a little us a bit when it comes to efficiency firstly,” Gómez Cora admits, “however we belief the groundwork. Our leaders are primed to information, and we now have the best expectations for these 5 younger gamers aiming to make their debut.”
This 12 months’s mantra: competitiveness over silverware. “Publish-Olympics transitions hit laborious for everybody—we’re tackling ours in 12 months two of the cycle while different groups began final season. However our preseason was sharp, and cohesion is the prize. Outcomes will chase efficiency.”
Meet the Recent Faces
These rookies aren’t wide-eyed novices; they’re merchandise of Argentina’s vaunted youth pipeline, mixing uncooked athleticism with sevens-specific edge. Right here’s the breakdown:
Eliseo Morales (27, Scrumhalf): A Puma XV veteran sidelined by accidents, Morales brings XV savvy and blistering tempo. His lone Check cap got here as a alternative in opposition to Wales in 2022, however his halfback instincts scream sevens gold.
Gómez Cora says: “Discovering a scrumhalf together with his pace is optimistic It’s electrical. He launches assaults like lightning across the ruck.”
Sebastián Dubuc (20, Centre/Wing: The U20 Pan American Video games sensation, Dubuc dazzled en path to gold, juking defenders with Moneta-level elusiveness. A utility again with star potential.
Gómez Cora says: “Versatile as they arrive, can play at centre or wing. We’re molding him right into a midfield menace.”
Valentín Maldonado (20, Centre): Third-place finisher on the 2025 U20 World Rugby Championship in Italy, this powerhouse steps into the void left by Osadczuk (now in France) and the retired Germán Schulz. All gasoline, no brakes.
Gómez Cora says: “He’s nonetheless blooming. Energy crashes, line breaks, bone-jarring tackles…he’s a pressure.”
Martiniano Arrieta (20, Wing/Ahead): Performed 4 Tremendous Rugby Americas video games for brand new outfit Tarucas and lit up Los Pumitas with a strive in opposition to New Zealand’s Colts earlier than a hand damage sidelined him from the U20 World Championship.
Gómez Cora says: “XV wing by commerce, however his construct screams speedy ahead. Strive-scoring menace with chew.”
Juan Batac (20, Utility Ahead): One other Pan Am Video games head-turner, Batac’s bulk bulldozed defenses, turning contact into chaos. Offloads additionally a trademark.
Gómez Cora says: He can play at varied positions and as a sevens participant he’s nice with offloads, very robust breaking the road and stays on his toes in touch.”
In cost since 2013—save for a quick hiatus after again surgical procedure final 12 months—Gómez Cora eyes the horizon with quiet hearth. “Velocity, management, energy: that’s the DNA of those 5. They’re not simply replacements; they’re the following roar of Los Pumas.”
As Dubai’s sands shift underfoot, the Pumas aren’t chasing ghosts of glory—they’re forging the pack that might lastly conquer the Olympic summit. Watch this area.
