Julian Montoya ready to lead Argentina at Twickenham for Showdowns with England and the Springboks

Friday, 04 April 2025 at 10:12

byTom Sansom

The Allianz stadium already holds a special place in the heart of Argentina captain Julián Montoya, but that connection looks set to grow even deeper by the end of 2025.

Barring injury or any dip in form, the experienced hooker will lead Argentina into two huge Test matches at the iconic London venue later this year. First up is a Rugby Championship clash with reigning world champions South Africa on October 4, followed by a rematch with England seven weeks later in the Autumn Nations Series.

For Montoya, who has captained Argentina with distinction in recent years, returning to the stadium known as 'HQ', is about more than just the rugby.

"It’s a stadium full of history, a cathedral of rugby," said Montoya, whose first appearance at the ground came in Argentina’s 2015 Rugby World Cup semi-final loss to Australia.

"I’m lucky enough to have played there a few times and I never take for granted playing for Argentina, and the same with those types of stadiums for sure. So, it’s a great opportunity for us."

The October meeting with the Springboks will hold added significance, as Los Pumas will occupy the home changing room at Twickenham—an honour Montoya has experienced only once before, during the 2022 Premiership Final with Leicester Tigers.

With over 100 caps to his name, Montoya remains as devoted to the national jersey as ever.

"It’s what I love the most about playing rugby," he said. "When I started playing, I was playing for the love of the game and everything, but my biggest dream was always to play for Argentina, so I never take that for granted, never."

And when Argentina take the field in southwest London later this year, Montoya is counting on passionate support from the UK’s vibrant Argentine community.

"I know there’s loads of Argentinians living around here (in London), so I know that the crowd is going to be there supporting us," Montoya said.

"Every time we play away from home, if it’s Japan, if it’s New Zealand, Australia, England, there’s always Argentinians there. I know they are in every part of the world, and you can hear them."

With a powerful message of pride, passion and belief, Montoya is ready to lead Los Pumas into a pivotal end-of-year series—on familiar turf, and with Twickenham once again the stage for Argentina’s ambitions.