Raúl Loyola: 'The Garra of This Team Remains Intact'

Raúl Loyola, a pivotal figure in the 1965 Pumas tour of South Africa, reflects on the enduring legacy of that foundational moment for Argentine rugby. Speaking from his residence in Miami, Loyola acknowledges the profound impact of that tour, stating, "If we are still talking so much time later about a rugby match, it must have been important what we did." The tour, which included a historic victory against the Junior Springboks, is widely considered the genesis of many traditions that continue to shape Argentine rugby, including the "Pumas" moniker and the team's renowned "garra" or grit.

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If we are still talking so much time later about a rugby match, it must have been important what we did.

Loyola's participation was also significant for breaking down regional barriers within Argentine rugby. He was the first player from Córdoba to earn a place on the national team, joining only a handful of players from outside Buenos Aires on that legendary squad. This inclusivity was a crucial, though less recognized, outcome of the tour, contributing to the unification of the sport across Argentina. He notes the contrast with the current Pumas team, which features 15 players from outside the capital among its 23-man squad.

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It seems unbelievable. It's been 60 years since we went to South Africa and people are still talking about it.

Reflecting on the 60 years since the tour, Loyola expressed his surprise at its continued relevance. "It seems unbelievable. It's been 60 years since we went to South Africa and people are still talking about it," he said in a phone interview. "At that time, it was all joy. Our goal was to give everything on the field in every game, in every training session, and to represent Argentine rugby well. I never imagined it would be so significant."

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At that time, it was all joy. Our goal was to give everything on the field in every game, in every training session, and to represent Argentine rugby well. I never imagined it would be so significant.

Loyola began playing rugby at age 14 for Universitario de Córdoba, scoring a try in his first match. He described rugby as a sport that "sticks with you: you get into it and you're attached forever." He praised the extraordinary nature of clubs in Argentina, where "everyone puts their heart into it, there's nothing like it anywhere else in the world." Playing as a flanker, he was known for his strength and resilience. Horacio Pichot described him in his book as "explosive and intuitive; he had a devastating sprint; despite his short stature, he became an unbeatable giant."

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The rugby is very sticky: you get into it and you're attached forever.