Contepomi: No contact over Argentina job
Daire Walsh
Despite reports linking him to the role, Leinster backs specialist Felipe Contepomi insists he hasn’t received any approach from the Argentina’s rugby union (UAR) to become their new international head coach.
Given the former Pumas fly-half is currently working in a high-profile coaching position, it is only natural that he is being touted as a successor to the recently departed Mario Ledesma.
He previously worked within the Argentinian system before being drafted onto Leo Cullen’s Leinster backroom team in 2018, but Contepomi more than happy to remain with the eastern province for the time being.
“There’s not much I can say. From the union, no one contacted me. I think it comes more from a rumour or something. I think it’s more of an estimation because they put in the names of Argentinian professional coaches. Which is not that many, so that’s how they chucked them into it,” Contepomi explained at a Leinster media briefing yesterday.
“Obviously international rugby is the pinnacle for coaching. Having said that, I always say in this profession, it’s very, very difficult to draw a pathway.
“I am really happy here. I have got one more year on my contract. I think I am lucky I am in an environment that many people would like to be in. I am just focusing on the present.”
Cullen will certainly be keen for Contepomi to remain on board, with his vast knowledge of club and international rugby proving particularly beneficial to those who are trying to force their way into Leinster’s backline.
Jimmy O’Brien is one such player who is beginning to blossom under the Argentine’s watch, with his four-try haul in a recent Champions Cup rout of Bath helping to earn him an Ireland senior call-up in advance of last Sunday’s clash with Italy.
“I think he’s a brilliant footballer and sometimes when you are so skilful and so good in so many positions, you end up covering a lot. He’s been brilliant for us in terms of it’s not only two positions, I think he also covered 10 at some stage,” Contepomi said of the versatile O’Brien.
“He goes on the wing, he goes at full-back, he goes at 13. Basically he can cover the whole backline. It’s a joy to have him and I’m glad he’s experienced his first time with the Irish squad and training there. Hopefully it’s not the last one and it will definitely make him a better player,” Contepomi added.