Ex-Leinster out-half Felipe Contepomi appointed Argentina head coach

Former Leinster out-half and backs coach Felipe Contepomi has been appointed as head coach of Argentina.

The 46-year-old succeeds ex-Leinster and Australia head coach Michael Cheika who led the Pumas to the semi-finals at this year's Rugby World Cup in France.

Contepomi was part of Cheika's backroom staff and said he hopes to build on his predecessor's work.

"I had the honour of assisting Michael Cheika in the implementation of a sporting project that challenged and excited us as part of a great Argentine rugby team, and for this reason I accept the opportunity bestowed on me by the UAR (Argentine Rugby Union) to continue working towards the desired goal, the 2027 World Cup in Australia," he said.

Cheika backed his successor, adding that he was confident that Contepomi and his staff would "lead the team forward in the best way".

Contepomi won 87 caps for Argentina during his international playing career, featuring at four World Cups.

At club level, he joined Leinster from Bristol Bears in 2003 and made 116 appearances over a six-year spell with the province, and was part of the Heineken Cup-winning side in 2009, although he missed the final after a knee injury sustained in the semi-final against Munster.

He later returned to Leinster as backs coach in 2018 and remained in the role for four years before departing to join Cheika's Argentina staff.