As Argentina prepare to face England in the Quilter Nations Series at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, one player stands out—not just for his lethal finishing, but for his unmistakable conquistador-style moustache and trademark cup of mate.
Rodrigo Isgro, the Harlequins wing who arrived in England barely a year ago, has gone from sevens sensation to one of the most exciting Premiership imports, and he now aims to help the Pumas topple England on Sunday.
From the Andes to Allianz: Isgro’s 7,000-Mile Rugby Journey
The transition from Mendoza, shadowed by the Andes, to the bustling heart of English rugby wasn’t easy.
Isgro, 26, arrived at Harlequins last autumn with a glittering résumé in rugby sevens—Olympic bronze medallist, global star, and named the world’s best sevens player in 2023. Yet he had played only a handful of 15-a-side matches before being thrust into the Premiership.
“For five years I only played sevens. Coming to England was a shock—everything was new,” Isgro says.
After being drafted into Argentina’s 15s squad by Michael Cheika for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Isgro committed fully to the longer game, signing with Harlequins and leaving behind the familiar rhythms of the sevens circuit.
A Hard Landing—Softened by a Friend Named Marcus Smith
London was the site of Isgro’s first international trip back in 2019 for the short-lived Rugby X event, but living in Guildford brought new challenges—language, culture, food, weather, everything.
One teammate, however, made the transition much easier: Marcus Smith.
“Marcus is a very good friend,” Isgro explains. “My English was very poor—he spent time with me, had patience, and he drinks mate with me every day.”
The pair even shared the drive into training. Their connection translated instantly to the pitch. On Isgro’s Harlequins debut against Bath, Smith chipped across field, and Isgro soared above his opposite number to score. He crossed again before half-time, instantly becoming a crowd favourite at The Stoop.
His performances earned widespread praise and a contract extension by January.
“It was difficult at first, but I grew so much—in my game and as a person,” he says. “Now I feel happy and comfortable here.”
Sunday Showdown: From Teammates to Rivals
On Sunday, Smith and Isgro won’t be sharing mate or car rides—they’ll be on opposing sides at England v Argentina in the final Autumn Nations Series clash of the year.
Isgro is one of several Pumas lighting up the Premiership, forming a strong contingent across England:
- Juan Martín González – Saracens
- Santiago Carreras – Bath
- Simon Benítez Cruz – Newcastle
- Pedro Rubiolo & Santiago Grondona – Bristol
- Guido Petti, Pedro Delgado & Boris Wenger – Harlequins
The Argentine community in England is strong—and social.
“We get together once or twice a week,” Isgro says. “We meet at Agustín Creevy’s house in Kingston for barbeques. The Quins boys are based in Guildford, the Saracens guys in the north—but we always meet.”
Those gatherings have seen plenty of celebrations. Argentina beat England at Twickenham in 2022 and have since recorded victories over South Africa, New Zealand, France, Australia, and even stunned the British & Irish Lions in Dublin with a 28–24 triumph.
Are Argentina Underestimated? Isgro Chooses His Words Carefully
Despite Argentina’s strong track record and current world ranking of sixth, many English fans believe their team—riding a 10-match winning streak and fresh off a victory over the All Blacks—is the clear favourite.
Isgro hesitates when asked if the Pumas feel underestimated.
“Our focus is on our game,” he says. “If we play well, the results will come. England have a very good team—but we are really good too.”
A Rising Star on the Big Stage
Isgro has scored three tries in three appearances at the Allianz Stadium—against Leicester, Gloucester, and even South Africa in a relocated Rugby Championship match. The venue seems to suit him, and Sunday offers him yet another chance to shine, this time in Argentina colours.
From sevens prodigy to Premiership fan favourite, Rodrigo Isgro is no longer just the mate-sipping newcomer.
He’s a proven threat—and England know it.
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