Argentina began their Nations Championship preparations in London on Monday with a squad that includes three changes from the list originally named last week.
Felipe Contepomi selected a 33-strong squad on October 21 for this week’s three-day camp in England. The squad is preparing for a Nations Championship block that includes away matches against Ireland, Italy and France. Injuries to three players, two of whom play in the French Top 14 and one in the English Premiership, forced the changes.
Prop Thomas Gallo dislocated his left wrist in Lyon’s 31-27 win at Bayonne. He underwent an operation on Saturday and will be sidelined for at least six months. Rodrigo Martinez, the Dragons-based loosehead, replaces him.
Toulouse midfielder Santiago Chocobares also dropped out. He suffered a concussion in the October 18 Champions Cup win over Exeter and is still awaiting the all-clear. Bristol’s Matias Moroni has been called up in his place.
The third change followed a knee injury to Gloucester’s Santiago Carreras in his Premiership match against Bath. Mateo Soler takes his spot. Soler had already been training with the Argentina XV squad ahead of their November 6 friendly against England A at The Rec.
Edwards joins the camp
Monday’s training session in London marked the start of preparations for the November 6 opener against Ireland in Dublin. Shaun Edwards, Argentina’s newly recruited defence coach, did not yet join the group, as he remains contracted to John Mitchell’s England women’s team.
France boss Fabien Galthie let Edwards go despite his Six Nations title win earlier this year. Edwards then agreed to help the England women’s defence before joining the Pumas. His English contract runs until next Friday’s match away to the USA, after which he will link up with Argentina in Dublin.
On October 9, the former France and Wales assistant was confirmed as an Argentina recruit through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The move ended speculation that England’s Steve Borthwick could sign him.
Edwards said in a statement: “I’m delighted to join Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff and the Argentina rugby team at the end of this month until the World Cup next year in Australia. I have always admired the ability and quality of Argentine players and I hope to bring some of my international experience to the team during the next year.”
Ledesma appointed forwards coach
Edwards will be joined by former Argentina head coach and hooker Mario Ledesma, who has been appointed as the Pumas’ new forwards coach.
The coaching changes follow a difficult year for Contepomi’s side, which won just one of its six 2026 matches, a victory over Wales in July. Scotland, England, South Africa and Australia all beat Argentina at home. Their most recent match ended in a 5 September draw with the Wallabies.
This week’s training camp in London ends on Wednesday, when Contepomi will name his official Nations Championship squad.