# How ‘student of coaching’ Contepomi took unexpected path

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/how-student-of-coaching-contepomi-took-unexpected-path/
- Published: 2026-11-03T08:14:47+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T10:55:56+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cr1exqyyjjxvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Sport

## Key points

- Contepomi moved from star player to Argentina head coach.
- Cheika once doubted his future in coaching.
- Leinster helped him learn the coaching craft.

## Summary

Felipe Contepomi’s path from star Argentina fly-half to head coach was less direct than his playing career might suggest. Former coach Michael Cheika initially doubted he would become a successful coach, but Contepomi went on to study the craft at Leinster before taking charge of the Pumas after the 2023 World Cup.

Contepomi played for Leinster while completing a medical degree, then returned to the club as attack coach for four seasons. Joe Schmidt describes him as both a master of playing the game and a student of coaching, while former team-mate Luke Fitzgerald points to his intelligence, experience and creativity. As Argentina prepare to face Ireland in Dublin, Contepomi’s record as head coach includes wins over New Zealand, South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.