Retirement Call from Most Capped Argentina Prop of All-Time

A retirement call has come from Argentina’s most capped prop of all-time. On the eve of facing New Zealand in Buenos Aires, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro made the decision that the test match will be his final appearance for Los Pumas.

Tetaz Chaparro has been representing Argentina for a decade and a half. He made his debut against Chile in 2010 and became a regular in the team after Daniel Hourcade replaced Santiago Phelan as Head Coach in late 2013. Tetaz Chaparro retires with 81 test caps to his name.

Capable of playing both Tight Head and Loose Head, Tetaz Chaparro played on both sides of the scrum against elite opposition in critical rugby matches. He and Ramiro Herrera were used as the tight head props at Rugby World Cup 2015 while 2019 saw Tetaz Chaparro starting at loose head prop. Injury ended his participation at Rugby World Cup 2023 during the lead-up to the tournament.

Tetaz Chaparro is Argentina’s second prop to retire in quick time. Francisco Gómez Kodela, who had a Pumas career from 2008-2025, retired in July. He did so officially as the oldest Puma, surpassing Agustín Creevy who retired in 2024. Winger Santiago Cordero also recently retired.

Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro started playing rugby for Camarones Rugby Club in Pinamar. He also played for Biguá Rugby Club in the Mar del Plata Union before joining La Plata. The move also came with a change of position; Tetaz Chaparro had played N8 as a boy and a teenager before converting to prop at La Plata as an adult in 2008.

His professional career began in 2011. After playing for Los Pampas XV in the Vodacom Cup in South Africa, he signed for Stade Français in France. His professional career also saw him playing for Top 14 rivals Lyon as well as playing in England for the Bristol Bears, in Wales for the Dragons, in Italy for Benetton and in Super Rugby for Los Jaguares.

LH – CHANGING OF THE GUARD

The changing of the guard at loose head prop sees the position currently being open. Thomas Gallo is the regular starter; however, selection in July saw him playing for the Argentina XV against Romania rather than a test match for Los Pumas. Rodrigo Martínez replaced him when he was injured in the match.

Tetaz Chaparro was the understudy to Mayco Vivas against New Zealand in Córdoba in round one of the 2025 Rugby Championship. The same has been selected for round two in Buenos Aires. The uncapped Boris Wenger was Argentina’s replacement against the British & Irish Lions in June. Ignacio Calles had an impressive return for Argentina in mid-late 2024 but is currently recovering from injury.

LH – CAPS OR TRAINED WITH PUMAS UNDER FELIPE CONTEPOMI

ARGENTINA
LOOSE HEAD PROPS