Argentina confirm Mario Ledesma as new head coach

Argentina have named former hooker Mario Ledesma as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship tournament.

The 45-year-old will take over from Daniel Hourcade, who stepped down in June following a disappointing series for Argentina that saw them lose a two-match series to Wales followed by a defeat to Scotland.

Ledesma has featured in 85 Tests for the Pumas between 1996 and 2011 and has worked as forwards coach with Australia, Stade Francais, Montpellier before he took in charge of Super Rugby side Jaguares in 2018 when they reached quarter-finals for the first time.

"Being captain of the ship fills me with pride," Ledesma said at Argentina Rugby Union headquarters in Buenos Aires.

"It is not a pressure or something I am intimidated by, but it is a huge challenge. The expectation is to compete and win."

Ledesma will also be hoping to create an impact with the national side in the Rugby Championship tournament later this month after they had a disappointing result in the previous edition where they failed to win a single game.

Meanwhile, the former Clermont hooker has confirmed that Agustin Creevy will lead Argentina in the Rugby Championship 2018 that will kick-off on 18th August with a clash against Springboks in Durban.