A Puma and an Eagle have secured their playing future in the Top 14. Justo Piccardo and Jack Iscaro both signed contract extensions to remain in France’s elite with both players now having added to their contracts with their existing clubs.
Center Justo Piccardo arrived at Montpellier this season. He made the move from Argentina where he had been a stand-out for Los Pampas in Super Rugby Americas. His move to Montpellier also coincided with him having a break-out year for Argentina. Montpellier have signed a new deal with Piccardo until 2029.
Piccardo was one of four centers on the Argentine roster this past November. The others were Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti and Matías Moroni. All play for elite clubs in Europe. Chocobares and Piccardo play for Top 14 rivals Toulouse and Montpellier while former Pumas center Jerónimo de la Fuente is captain of Perpignan.
Eagle Jack Iscaro arrived at Stade Français from Major League Rugby (MLR) club Old Glory DC as a medical joker and debuted in October. The 28-year-old loose head prop left a mark at the club which has seen him securing his playing future with the Parisians until 2027.
Iscaro is one of three USA Eagles from the recent November Internationals that plays in the Top 14. The others are Toulouse prop David Ainu’u and Montauban back-rower Nafi Ma’afu. Meanwhile, the bulk of the roster are MLR players.
The long-term contract at Stade Français is good news for USA Rugby team, management and supporters. The USA Eagles overcame the disappointment of not qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2023 but have been handed a bad draw for Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia; The Eagles are grouped with France, Japan and Samoa in Pool E.
