Scouting Argentina: Felipe Contepomi’s Argentina Squad

Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi arrives ahead of a Quilter Nations Series match between Scotland and Argentina at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on November 16, 2025.

The inaugural round of the Nations Championship pairs Scotland with a familiar southern hemisphere rival as they travel to Córdoba to face Los Pumas at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes. Head coach Felipe Contepomi has selected a balanced 34-man roster that blends seasoned international experience with highly-rated young talent emerging from the domestic and southern pathways.

Under the guidance of Contepomi

Felipe Contepomi continues to shape the tactical evolution of Argentina since taking the role in 2023, succeeding Michael Cheika for whom he had acted as assistant coach. A legendary former fly-half with 87 international caps, Contepomi has prioritised adaptability and discipline, demanding a high-tempo attacking style built on a foundation of traditional Argentine set-piece power. This Nations Championship Southern Series serves as a significant testing ground in a schedule that also features visits from Wales and England.

The uncapped contingent

Contepomi has injected fresh energy into his squad by introducing five uncapped players into the senior environment for the opening three rounds of the new tournament. In the pack, Western Force hooker Leonel Oviedo, older brother of established back-rower Joaquín Oviedo, gains selection following a competitive season in Super Rugby Pacific and a recent call up for the Barbarians. He is joined by the towering lock Luciano Asevedo and young back-row forward Juan Penoucos, both of whom play domestically in Super Rugby Americas. In the backline, the uncapped options are completed by the Pampas centre Agustín Fraga, who represents Los Pumas 7s and fullback Mateo Soler.

Key players for Argentina

With 24 members of the current Pumas squad playing their club rugby in either the UK or France, Scottish fans will recognise several high-profile operators who share domestic locker rooms with members of the Scotland touring squad. A primary focal point in the backline is versatile playmaker Santiago Carreras, who currently plays his club rugby at Bath alongside Scotland stand-off Finn Russell and back-rower Josh Bayliss. Similarly, veteran midfielder Matías Moroni provides defensive steel for Bristol Bears, where he links up with the versatile Tom Jordan.

In the second-row, Argentina enjoys a wealth of experience through Guido Petti and Matías Alemanno. Petti is within two appearances of reaching his 100-cap milestone for his country, while Alemanno stands just one match away from his centenary cap. Backed by the leadership of captain and hooker Julián Montoya, Los Pumas pack presents a formidable, highly experienced challenge for the Scotland front eight in Córdoba this Saturday.

Scotland v Argentina

Watch Scotland take on Contepomi’s Argentina this weekend.

• Date & Time: Saturday 4 July, 8:10pm
• Venue: Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba, Argentina
• Tournament: Nations Championship Round One
• How to watch: The inaugural Nations Championship will be broadcast exclusively on ITV and STV, with all fixtures from the new global competition available to viewers across the UK. Supporters in the UK are also able to stream the match live via ITVX and STV Player.