Agustin Pichot claps back at outspoken journalist after claims ‘no one lifted a finger’ for Argentina
Argentina players celebrate after win over Scotland and former scrum-half Agustin Pichot.
Argentina legend and former World Rugby vice chairman Agustin Pichot has corrected prominent British critic Stephen Jones after claims the journalist made on social media.
Los Pumas have once again enjoyed another impressive year, defeating the All Blacks at home and the Wallabies in Australia, while also pushing the Springboks all the way in the Rugby Championship finale.
They have continued that fine form in the end-of-year series, firstly thrashing Wales at the Principality Stadium before producing a stunning comeback against Scotland.
Five tries in 23 minutes
Felipe Contepomi’s men were 21-0 in arrears after 57 minutes but, thanks in part to the impact of the bench, they staged a remarkable fightback to score five tries in the latter stages.
Julian Montoya, Rodrigo Isgro, Pedro Rubiolo, Pablo Matera and Justo Piccardo all touched down as they made it two from two in the November Tests.
That prompted Jones to take to X, formerly Twitter, to praise the strength of Argentinian rugby despite battling against the odds.
“No-one ever lifted a finger to help Argentine rugby. Kicked out of Super Rugby. None of their players based at home. They must be exhausted. But they play great and stylish rugby. Sporting nobility,” he wrote.
However, Pichot responded and insisted that they have received help, particularly from the southern hemisphere giants, in developing rugby in the country.
“Stephen. We have a super rugby league and an amazing grass root rugby + a hp plan since 2010 helped by NZ SA and AU,” he wrote.
“Bernard Lapasset helped a lot those days also; we never forget people that have helped Argentina rugby… and clubs that helped us to have a career as well.”
Argentinian improvement
While Argentina continue to develop as a rugby nation, they certainly don’t have the resources of many – if not all – of their tier one rivals, so their achievements are still remarkable.
Los Pumas have reached three Rugby World Cup semi-finals – 2007, 2015 and 2023 – and are now much more competitive in the Rugby Championship.
They won three games in last year’s edition and followed that up with another two in 2025, which meant Contepomi’s charges headed to Europe full of confidence.
And after their success over Scotland, Argentina will look to complete their year in style by overcoming England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday.