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ProD2 club swoop for Puma backrow Rodrigo Bruni
By Ian Cameron
Backrow Rodrigo Bruni has become the latest Argentinian star to pick up a contract in Europe, with ProD2 side Vannes confirming that they have signed the forward mid-season.
Bruni was part of the Pumas team that humbled the All Blacks in this year's Tri Nations, recording a historic first win over the New Zealanders in Australia.
Vannes forward coach and former Pumas prop Esteban Devich was said to be pivotal in convincing the Argentinian to join the club, who finished eighth in last season's competition and who have their eyes set on promotion to France top flight.
The 6'1, 108kg forward played 15 matches with the now-defunct Jaguares and was part of team that fell to the Crusaders in the 2019 Super Rugby final.
Vannes manager, Jean-Noël Spitzer, said in a statement: "The Pro D2 is a long competition. At the middle of the championship, our players have already made a lot of efforts and in particular some of our leaders in the third row. With the competition resuming a reinforcement was envisaged, in second or third line, in order to reinforce the team during the winter and to reach the final stages with energy.
"Both with the Jaguares and the Pumas, Rodrigo Bruni has shown a high level of standing. The Jaguares' momentary problematic situation made his coming possible. It is an opportunity and an incredible pride to welcome such a player to the club.
"I would like to thank Esteban Devich, former Argentinian pillar and RCV forwards coach, for facilitating the exchange to convince Rodrigo.
"Rodrigo has shown, at the highest level in the world, his ability to carry the ball and to defend hard and intelligently. It is a versatile third line capable of joining our players in the position of number 8 or 6."
A native of Tandil in Argentina, the 29-year-old played his junior rugby at UNCAS Rugby Club.
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Latest Comments
Agree with Wilson B- at best. And that is down to skilled individual players who know how to play the game - not a cohesive squad who know their roles and game plan. For those who claim that takes time to develop, the process is to keep the game plan simple at first and add layers as the squad gels and settles in to the new systems. Lack of progress against the rush D, lack of penetration and innovation in the mid-field, basic skill errors and loose forwards coming second in most big games all still evident in game 14 of the season. Hard to see significant measureable progress.
Go to commentsKeep telling yourself that. The time for a fresh broom is at the beginning - not some "balanced, incremental" (i.e. status quo) transition. All teams establish the way forward at the beginning. This coaching group lacked ideas and courage and the players showed it on the pitch. Backs are only average. Forwards are unbalanced and show good set piece but no domination in traditional AB open play. Unfortunately, Foster - Mark 2. You may be happy with those performances and have some belief in some "cunning plan" but I don't see any evidence of it. Rassie is miles ahead and increasing the gap.
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