New kids on the block: Five debutants in Los Pumas Sevens for Dubai

Los Pumas Sevens, one of the circuit’s most dominant forces in recent years, touched down in Dubai with a squad buzzing with potential. Among them, five eager debutants, each hungry to etch their name into the elite world of international sevens rugby.

Santiago Gómez Cora, the shrewd Puma 7s coach starting his fourteenth season in charge, spent the off-season meticulously scouting replacements for a wave of departures. Veterans like Matías Osadczuk – a finalist for Sevens Player of the Year -and Agustín Fraga, now thriving with Argentina XV, have traded the short-form sprint for the full 80-minute grind of fifteens, whilst Germán Schulz has retired. A bittersweet transition that has left room for reinvention.

At the heart of the squad remains a battle-tested core: the electrifying Marcos Moneta, the metronomic scrumhalf Joaquín Pellandini, the poised captain Santiago Mare, and the versatile Matteo Graziano. Yet, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fas approaching looming, infusing youth is much needed. As Gómez Cora tells RugbyPass, the focus isn’t on silverware this season, as sweet and welcomed as it could be, but on building a dynasty for the long haul.

“We’ve got five potential debutants who’ve earned their spot after a grueling, high-calibre preseason,” Gómez Cora says. “We’re replacing players who’ve shifted to fifteens or drifted from our 2028 and 2032 vision. We have focused on the future rather than the short term.”

This gamble carries risk for a team that’s redefined dominance since snagging bronze at Tokyo 2020 (delayed to 2021). They’ve claimed the last two HSBC SVNS League titles, only to stumble at the Olympic stage, edged out by Antoine Dupont and France in Paris 2024. A medal in LA isn’t just a dream; it’s backed by Argentina’s National High Performance Program (ENARD), which ties funding to podium finishes.

The return of Tokyo medalist and 2023 Rugby World Cup star Lautaro Bazán Vélez adds a steadying hand, bridging the gap for newcomers Eliseo Morales, Sebastián Dubuc, Valentín Maldonado, Martiniano Arrieta, and Juan Batac.

“All of this might cost us a bit in terms of performance at the beginning,” Gómez Cora admits, “but we trust the groundwork. Our leaders are primed to guide, and we have the highest expectations for these five young players aiming to make their debut.”

This year’s mantra: competitiveness over silverware. “Post-Olympics transitions hit hard for everyone—we’re tackling ours in year two of the cycle whilst other teams started last season. But our preseason was sharp, and cohesion is the prize. Results will chase performance.”

Meet the Fresh Faces

These rookies aren’t wide-eyed novices; they’re products of Argentina’s vaunted youth pipeline, blending raw athleticism with sevens-specific edge. Here’s the breakdown:

Eliseo Morales (27, Scrumhalf): A Puma XV veteran sidelined by injuries, Morales brings XV savvy and blistering pace. His lone Test cap came as a replacement against Wales in 2022, but his halfback instincts scream sevens gold.

Gómez Cora says: “Finding a scrumhalf with his speed is positive It’s electric. He launches attacks like lightning around the ruck.”

Sebastián Dubuc (20, Centre/Wing: The U20 Pan American Games sensation, Dubuc dazzled en route to gold, juking defenders with Moneta-level elusiveness. A utility back with star potential.

Gómez Cora says: “Versatile as they come, can play at centre or wing. We’re molding him into a midfield menace.”

Valentín Maldonado (20, Centre): Third-place finisher at the 2025 U20 World Rugby Championship in Italy, this powerhouse steps into the void left by Osadczuk (now in France) and the retired Germán Schulz. All gas, no brakes.

Gómez Cora says: “He is still blooming. Power crashes, line breaks, bone-jarring tackles…he’s a force.”

Martiniano Arrieta (20, Wing/Forward): Played four Super Rugby Americas games for new outfit Tarucas and lit up Los Pumitas with a try against New Zealand’s Colts before a hand injury sidelined him from the U20 World Championship.

Gómez Cora says: “XV wing by trade, but his build screams speedy forward. Try-scoring threat with bite.”

Juan Batac (20, Utility Forward): Another Pan Am Games head-turner, Batac’s bulk bulldozed defenses, turning contact into chaos. Offloads also a trademark.

Gómez Cora says: He can play at various positions and as a sevens player he is great with offloads, very strong breaking the line and stays on his feet in contact.”

In charge since 2013—save for a brief hiatus after back surgery last year—Gómez Cora eyes the horizon with quiet fire. “Speed, leadership, power: that’s the DNA of these five. They’re not just replacements; they’re the next roar of Los Pumas.”

As Dubai’s sands shift underfoot, the Pumas aren’t chasing ghosts of glory—they’re forging the pack that could finally conquer the Olympic summit. Watch this space.