Domingo Miotti rejects Pumas call-up, accepts offer to play for Italy

Domingo Miotti, a highly-rated fly-half, has officially declined the call-up to Argentina's national rugby team, the Pumas, opting instead to represent Italy. The decision was confirmed by Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi on Argentina's Independence Day.

Contepomi explained that while Miotti was initially considered for the August matches against South Africa and Australia, the player revealed another opportunity to play for Italy. "He sees the possibility of playing from that side as closer, a better possibility," Contepomi stated, adding that the Pumas "accept and support his decision."

Miotti, who had a standout season with Montpellier in France's Top 14, finishing as a runner-up and the third-highest scorer, qualifies to play for Italy due to his dual nationality. Crucially, he has not represented the Pumas in over 36 months, with his last appearance being on July 9, 2022, against Scotland. This period fulfills World Rugby's eligibility criteria for a player to switch national representation.

Miotti's career includes a debut with the Jaguares in 2019, where he made a significant impact, scoring two tries in a victory against the Bulls. He also played in the Super Rugby final that year. After the Jaguares were disbanded, he played for the Western Force and Glasgow before his successful stint in France. His decision to play for Italy, coached by former Pumas fly-half Gonzalo Quesada, marks a new chapter in his international rugby journey.

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With Mingo, the original idea was for him to come in August for the matches against South Africa and Australia... I called Mingo after the final to join. We had a good chat and he told me he has another possibility, which is to play for Italy. He sees the possibility of playing from that side as closer, a better possibility. We accept and support his decision. It surely wasn't easy. We shouldn't judge it, far from it.