Contepomi: We must keep our top players in Argentina
FELIPE Contepomi has warned Argentina have serious work to do to build a system which can provide a platform for long-term success both before and after the 2019 World Cup.
Despite the country’s sole professional side – the Jaguares – flying high in Super Rugby this season, fly-half legend Contepomi believes all is not rosy in the Pumas’ garden.
“The Jaguares are still only the first professional team in Argentinean rugby and they have been going for only two and a half years. It’s a very new era for us,” Contepomi told The Rugby Paper.
“There is a lot for us to learn and do. I’m sure the Union is pleased with the Jaguares and their results, but what’s more important is to set up a long-lasting basis for professionalism.
“Without that there won’t be success and we need to create a professional space for our best players who want to stay in Argentina and enjoy playing here.”
Contepomi is Argentina’s record points scorer and helped his country to third place at the 2007 World Cup. All of Argentina’s players for their two Tests with Wales have come from the Jaguares.
That policy is set to change for the 2019 World Cup, where players based abroad can turn out for Daniel Hourcade’s side in Japan.
“We have to find the money and create the right environment for someone like Facundo Isa to choose to stay here and not to go somewhere like Toulon for greater money,” Contepomi said.
“Other countries have the same problem, Wales is an example. England and France can offer players more money, but if you offer them a fantastic environment where they can understand they are getting better as a player and a person, that can be of benefit too. It’s not always all about finances.”
The Argentine Rugby Union are in financial trouble and the costs involved in putting on their two Tests with Wales were covered by the local governments in the San Juan and Santa Fe provinces.
It is understood the ARU even struggle to cover the costs of hosting six games per season which underlines their plight.
Contepomi works as a coach for a developmental Argentina XV which aims to provide future players for the Jaguares.
He believes that despite financial pressure, there is talent to work with.
“Professionalism is a way of working and that structure has to be set up for a team to succeed. It takes time,” said the former Leinster star.
“We all want it straight away, but the players, coaches, boardroom members and the public here must realise they haven’t lived professionalism at all.
“I think they will arrive at the World Cup with a good mix of players.”