‘The Pumas 7s way’: Inside the new era for SVNS Series giants Argentina

On Thursday, September 5, 2025, just three days after the announcement of the 2026 Sevens Series, Los Pumas 7s officially launched their preseason.

Head coach Santiago Gómez Cora, alongside his long-time assistant Leonardo Gravano, welcomed an expanded 24-player squad, blending seasoned veterans with fresh talent.

Notably absent are familiar names like Matías Osadczuk, Tobías Wade, Tomás Elizalde, Agustín Fraga, and Alejo Lavayén, who have shifted their focus to XVs, and the retired Germán Schulz.

Wallabies scrumhalf Tate McDermott and prop Taniela Tupou have spoken to media in Sydney.

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Wallabies scrumhalf Tate McDermott and prop Taniela Tupou have spoken to media in Sydney.

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The squad’s youth injection comes from Argentina’s U20 team, fresh off their gold-medal triumph at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay. Newcomers Mateo Fossati, Juan Patricio Batac, Jerónimo Sorondo, Sebastián Dubuc, and Gino Dicapua (who had been named in the Pan Am squad but was replaced due to injury) have earned their call-up to the senior side, bringing raw potential and enthusiasm.

“We’re not starting from scratch; it’s a continuation,” Gómez Cora explained. “We’re keeping a core of experienced players, but 2026 will be a transitional year to integrate new talent we’ve been tracking through age-grade rugby.”

Building for the Future 

The Sevens squad will receive state-funded scholarships, with stipends varying based on their status: Olympian, Pan Am player, or projection. “Rugby sevens has earned this support through our proven track record,” said Gómez Cora, a former amateur player himself.

Despite a busy off-season – where most players followed tailored fitness programs, and four (Matteo Graziano, Joaquín Pellandini, Luciano González, and Marcos Moneta) competed overseas in India’s Premier League and France’s Sevens Series – the team is now focused on aligning for the season ahead. The preseason is structured into weekly training blocks focusing on skills, attack, ball retention, restarts, and defense.

“We’re going back to basics to ensure everyone understands the Pumas 7s way,” Gómez Cora noted. “Even if the veterans find it repetitive, it’s critical for the newcomers.”

The 2026 Sevens Series introduces a new structure, which Gómez Cora views with mixed feelings. While he appreciates that a single tournament no longer defines the season, he’s uncertain about how to approach the first six events. “I’m not sure if we should use the regular season to test new players and rotate the squad, as the final three tournaments, with the teams that qualify from the lower echelon, seem to carry the most weight,” he admitted.

Gómez Cora is particularly excited about returning to Europe for tournaments in Spain and France, which reduce the team’s gruelling global travel.

A Blend of Experience and Youth 

With no Pan American Games or Olympic qualifiers in 2026, this season offers a prime opportunity to test new players and strategies. The departure of some players to XVs is seen as a silver lining. “Those players weren’t getting many minutes due to fierce competition,” Gómez Cora explained. “We wish them well, but our current squad remains highly competitive.”

So far, only Agustín Fraga has had any recognition, playing for Argentina XV against Romania in July.

Among the newcomers, Sebastián Dubuc stands out, clocking an impressive 37 km/h in testing—just 2 km/h shy of Marcos Moneta’s blistering pace. “Our trainers are exceptional, and we expect these stats to improve,” Gómez Cora added. While contracted players will focus exclusively on sevens, younger squad members will balance sevens training with club XVs action, allowing them to develop versatility.

A Coach’s Passion 

Entering his 14th season as head coach, Gómez Cora remains energized. “I love my job,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to evolving the team. The focus is on identifying players with an “X-factor” and nurturing their growth. “We’re excited about the raw talent we have and motivated by what we saw at the Junior Pan Am Games,” he concluded.

As Los Pumas 7s embark on this transitional season, the blend of seasoned stars and emerging prospects promises an exciting journey ahead.