Key Points
- Harlequins Rugby Club hosted a traditional Argentine asado to welcome four Argentine players: Guido Petti, Boris Wenger, Pedro Delgado, and Rodrigo Isgró.
- The quartet follows the successful path of former Argentines Martín Landajo and Santiago García Botta, who helped Harlequins win the 2021 Premiership title.
- General Manager Andy Sanger MBE highlighted the cultural and team spirit benefits these players bring, not just their on-field skills.
- Recruitment was carefully conducted with significant input from former players and Argentina’s head coach, Felipe Contepomi.
- Three of the players featured in Argentina’s recent close game against South Africa at Twickenham, with Isgró scoring a late try.
- Despite injury challenges and recent coaching changes, Harlequins beat Saracens 20-14, showing resilience and potential.
- The club is in a transition phase without legend players Joe Marler and Danny Care, focusing on developing new leaders based in south west London.
- Senior coach Jason Gilmore’s calm leadership and the coaching staff’s rugby IQ are seen as key to future success.
- Harlequins aim to uphold their identity known for expressive and entertaining play while integrating new players and overcoming injuries.
What happened at Harlequins’ training ground with the Pumas players?
As reported by RugbyPass on October 13, 2025, Harlequins held a traditional Argentine asado at their training ground in Guildford, a part of south west London’s rugby community, to welcome their growing South American contingent. The asado featured a whole sheep roasting over an open fire, filling the air with the scent of woodsmoke. The four Argentine players—Guido Petti, Boris Wenger, Pedro Delgado, and Rodrigo Isgró—attended to bond and begin their campaign at Surrey Sports Park, the club’s training hub in south west London.
Who are the Argentine players and what is their significance to Harlequins in south west London?
The Argentine quartet continues a legacy set by Martín Landajo and Santiago García Botta, who were instrumental in Harlequins’ 2021 Premiership title success. General Manager Andy Sanger MBE stressed that the players bring energy and passion to the team, elevating morale in south west London. Sanger noted,
“They still really enjoy their rugby … There’s a switch of energy when Isgró bounces in. The boys love him. The staff love him”.
Landajo’s connection remains strong even after retirement, aiding the club through his welfare company Pax Plus that scouts talent in South America. Recruitment for the quartet involved close consultation with Landajo, García Botta, and Argentina’s coach Felipe Contepomi, highlighting the importance of character and cultural fit for the club based in south west London.
How were the players recruited and what role did character play?
Head of recruitment Ed Spokes carefully monitored Rodrigo Isgró for nearly a year before signing him. Consultation with Argentine insiders ensured that the quartet had the right mix of talent and temperament crucial for success in south west London’s demanding Premiership environment. Sanger commended this thorough process, saying Contepomi provided honest assessments. Character is essential for the evolving Harlequins squad in south west London as they rebuild.
How did the Argentine players perform recently and impact Harlequins in south west London?
Three of the four Argentines played in Argentina’s tight loss to South Africa at Twickenham, with Isgró scoring a late try in what is essentially his adopted city, south west London. The timely return of all four to Harlequins injury-free was vital as the club faced a major injury crisis. Their availability helped steady the squad based at south west London’s Surrey Sports Park.
How is Harlequins coping with injuries and coaching changes in south west London?
Harlequins showed resilience with a 20-14 win over Saracens, despite significant injuries and coaching transitions. The club is gradually adjusting to life after legends Joe Marler and Danny Care, with new leaders like Alex Dombrandt and Cadan Murley emerging. Sanger expressed confidence in these talents developing into key figures for the club in south west London.
Coaching intellect remains strong with former players Adam Jones and Nick Evans supporting new senior coaches Toby Booth and Jason Gilmore. Gilmore’s calm leadership is a key asset for the future, reinforcing the club’s ambitions rooted in south west London’s rugby culture.
What is Harlequins’ vision for their identity and future in south west London?
Sanger highlighted the importance of maintaining Harlequins’ identity—expressive rugby played with flair and passion. He said,
“You don’t replace someone like Danny Care … but you try to continue the legacy, playing to Harlequins’ identity,”
which remains a core principle in south west London. The club seeks to integrate the new faces while overcoming injuries to reclaim their elite Premiership status.
