Felipe Contepomi has been appointed as the national rugby coach of Argentina (which lost the secondary final of the 2023 World Cup) instead of Australian Michael Cheik, reports AFP.

Argentina national rugby teamPhoto: Neal Simpson / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Felipe Contepomi, the new coach of the Argentine national rugby team

Contepomi has been working in the national staff of his country since March 2022, where he was a coach of defenders. At the age of 46, Contepomi takes over from the Australian coach who led Argentina to fourth place at this autumn’s World Cup. in France .

Contepomi, 87 times selected for the Cougar national team, with which he participated in four World Cups (3rd place in 2007), played as a player for the French teams “Toulon” and “Stade Française”, as well as for the Irish team Leinster. He began his coaching career at Argentine side Jaguares before joining Leinster from 2018 to 2022.

Michael Cheika said he was “very disappointed” with Argentina’s 23-26 defeat by England in Paris in the third-place match at the 2023 World Cup, where the title went to South Africa. Asked about his future, the Australian coach said he had no idea: “I haven’t even thought about it.”

Having made a choice in favor of Felipe Contepoma, the “Cougars” chose succession, on the threshold of the 2027 World Cup, which will be held in Australia, writes Agerpres.