A notable turnover of Argentine players has taken place in the two years of international competition under Felipe Contepomi. In some cases, former permanent selections have been overtaken while in others former fringe players are now further behind. This article identifies players who could make comebacks for Los Pumas in 2026.
| ARGENTINE FORWARDS – POTENTIAL COMEBACK PUMAS IN 2026 |
Contepomi had Ignacio Calles on his rosters in both 2024 and 2025. He answered the call well in 2024 to help Argentina beat South Africa in Santiago del Estero. Injury saw him unable to add to his 8 test caps in 2025. Mayco Vivas became first-choice with Thomas Gallo also injured while Boris Wenger performed well as a rookie loose head. Calles is well-placed for future opportunities while Rodrigo Martínez is also in the conversation.
Tight Head prop has also seen notable changes. Francisco Gómez Kodela’s retirement combined with injuries to fellow 2023 props Eduardo Bello and Joël Sclavi saw debuts for Francisco Coria Marchetti, Pedro Delgado and Tomás Rapetti. Bello continues his recovery and the 27-time capped player is a potential comeback Puma. Santiago Medrano has been overlooked by Contepomi though may yet add to his 31 caps.
Contepomi has changed the second-row picture. Guido Petti remains a regular though Matías Alemanno and Tomás Lavanini have both been overtaken by Franco Molina, Pedro Rubiolo and Efraín Elías. Alemanno only earned 1 cap in 2025 and Lavanini none. They have 99 and 91 caps respectively.
World Cup back-rower Rodrigo Bruni and Facundo Isa both sat-out 2024, citing the need for rest following the World Cup year. Bruni is yet to be selected under Contepomi while Isa played in the 2025 home series against England. Contepomi has handed debuts to others such as Joaquín Moro and Benjamin Grondona who both now play in the English Premiership. Neither featured in the 2025 Rugby Championship or November Internationals but are playing well for the Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears respectively.
 ARGENTINE BACKS – POTENTIAL COMEBACK PUMAS IN 2026 |
The scrum-half position is unrecognizable now compared to that under Michael Cheika or Mario Ledesma. Tomás Cubelli never played again after Rugby World Cup 2027, Lautaro Bazán Vélez transitioned to Rugby Sevens and Gonzalo Bertranou was overtaken by Gonzalo García in 2024 and by others in 2025. Depending on circumstances, Bertranou may add to his 68 caps.
Contepomi has converted his former position of fly half into a position of depth today. Santiago Carreras and Tomás Albornoz have both put in match-winning performances against world-class opposition. Los Pumas have also won test matches with newcomers Gerónimo Prisciantelli and Nicolás Roger wearing the 10 jersey. Meanwhile, Domingo Miotti continues to watch-on and perform well in the Top 14 for Montpellier. Contepomi is watching.
Santiago Carreras and Gerónimo Prisciantelli are both utility players who cover fullback. In addition, Contepomi started Juan Cruz Mallía and Benjamín Elizalde in the position in 2025. Mallía is likely out of all of 2026 following his injury caused by a late tackle by Tom Curry for England. Meanwhile, Emiliano Boffelli has not played for Argentina since Rugby World Cup 2023. Boffelli briefly trained with Los Pumas in 2025.
