Who is the captain of the Argentinian rugby team? Meet Julián Montoya

In the world of rugby, leaders emerge not only through their exceptional skills but also their unwavering commitment to their teams. One such leader who has been making waves is Julián Montoya, the Argentine professional rugby union player, and captain of the Argentina national team. Let’s take a closer look at the man who wears the captain’s armband for the Pumas.

A Stellar Club Career with Leicester Tigers

Julián Montoya’s journey as the captain of the Argentine rugby team is intertwined with his successful club career, particularly with the Premiership Rugby club, Leicester Tigers. Back in June 2020, the rugby world was abuzz with speculation that Montoya would join Leicester Tigers for the 2021-22 Premiership Rugby season. However, the story took an unexpected twist when the move was confirmed as an immediate transfer on 20th January 2021.

Montoya’s arrival at the Tigers promised to be a game-changer, and he did not disappoint. His pivotal role was evident in the 2022 Premiership Rugby final, where he started as Leicester Tigers triumphed over Saracens with a score of 15-12. This victory solidified Montoya’s position not only as a star player but also as an influential leader within his club.

Dazzling on the International Stage

Montoya’s rugby journey transcends club rugby, with a remarkable international career that showcases his talent and leadership. His journey began with the Argentina national under-20 rugby union team, where he represented his country at the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship.

Montoya’s debut for the senior Argentina national team, known as the “Pumas,” was a memorable one. It took place on 17th May 2014, in a match against Uruguay during the South American Rugby Championship held in Paysandu, Brazil. Montoya’s performance was nothing short of impressive, contributing to Argentina’s commanding 65-9 victory.

He continued to shine on the international stage, playing a pivotal role in the Argentina squad that clinched the South American Rugby Championship in 2014 and 2015. What makes these victories even more special is that Montoya left his mark by scoring tries on both occasions, demonstrating his scoring prowess.

His talent and leadership did not go unnoticed, and he was subsequently called up for the 2015 Rugby Championship. Montoya marked his entry into this prestigious tournament with a game against New Zealand on 17th July 2015 in Christchurch. Despite the challenges, Montoya showcased his resilience and determination, earning his place as a key figure in the Pumas’ lineup. To date, he boasts an impressive record of 8 caps for the “Pumas,” with 2 tries and a total of 10 points.

A momentous highlight of Montoya’s international career was his role as a starter for the Argentina national team in their historic victory against the formidable All Blacks on 14th November 2020. This win marked a significant milestone for Argentine rugby and solidified Montoya’s status as a captain who could lead his team to extraordinary accomplishments.

A Glimpse into Montoya’s Background

Julián Montoya was born on 29th October 1993 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Standing at a height of 1.83 meters (6 feet) and weighing 113 kilograms (249 pounds), Montoya possesses the physical attributes of a world-class rugby player. His rugby journey commenced at Colegio Cardenal Newman, where he nurtured his passion for the sport.

In the senior club arena, Montoya’s career path included significant stints with Club Newman, Pampas XV, and Jaguares. However, his move to Leicester Tigers in 2021 marked a new chapter where he has continued to shine. As of 28th August 2023, Montoya has accumulated an impressive 44 appearances and scored 120 points, solidifying his status as a standout player for the Tigers.

Julián Montoya’s role as the captain of the Argentine rugby team is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and his ability to inspire his team to achieve greatness. As he continues to lead the Pumas with determination and unwavering commitment, the rugby world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the remarkable career of this Argentine rugby icon.