Argentina's Rugby Rising Star: Lucio Cinti's Journey from Sevens to World Stage

Lucio Cinti, nicknamed "Pulpo" (Octopus) for his remarkably long arms, is a name that's rapidly gaining recognition in the world of rugby. This 24-year-old, 6ft 3in speedster, hailing from Argentina, embodies the dedication and talent that's pushing the Pumas to new heights. His journey, however, hasn't been a straightforward one; it's a testament to his unwavering commitment and exceptional skills.

From Sevens to Fifteen-a-Side Success

His journey began in Argentina's Sevens pathway, where his former coach, Santiago Gómez Cora, saw potential even when Cinti was just one player among many. Gómez Cora highlighted Cinti's extraordinary work ethic: "The commitment and hunger of each player has to come from within, and Cinti showed that." Imagine the dedication required—Cinti lived in La Plata, 90km from the Sevens training center, enduring the infamous Buenos Aires traffic daily to reach training. This daily commute, through a city of 15 million, underlines his unwavering dedication to the sport.

Gómez Cora further praised Cinti's exceptional skills on the field, commenting on his "big frame, mature play, intuition, aggression, and good decisions in contact." He noted Cinti's impressive "great presence," asserting that "his future is entirely in his hands; he has no ceiling on his career in rugby." This assessment, made during Cinti's Sevens career, has certainly proven prescient.

Despite his Olympic bronze medal win in Tokyo with the Argentinan Sevens team, Cinti transitioned to the 15-a-side game at the age of 20, signing for London Irish in the autumn of 2021. His time with London Irish saw him make 27 appearances and score six tries, earning him another contract under the then director of rugby, Declan Kidney. This move demonstrated his versatility and adaptability as a player.

However, when London Irish unfortunately went bankrupt at the end of the 2022-23 season, Cinti, along with his teammate Juan Martin Gonzalez, joined Saracens, where they continue to play. This transition to Saracens highlights his ability to thrive even amidst significant upheaval in the professional rugby landscape.

A Pumas Star is Born: From Winger to Outside Centre

Four years ago, Cinti made his debut for Argentina's national team, the Pumas, against New Zealand. He's since become a key player, participating in all seven matches (starting six) as Argentina secured fourth place at the recent Rugby World Cup in France. This achievement underscores his importance to the Argentinian team and his impressive rise within the national setup.

A crucial aspect of Cinti's development involves his positional change. Initially a winger, he's transitioned to the outside centre position, effectively solving a persistent injury problem for the Pumas. This adaptability showcases his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever the team needs him most.

The Octopus's Tentacles: Skills and Style

His remarkable talent is multifaceted. Cinti's ability to create and exploit space, combined with his pace, vision, and a good range of passing skills, has propelled his rapid progression at both club and international levels. Furthermore, he's significantly improved his defensive work, making him a well-rounded and dangerous player. Opponents, notably Ireland, will undoubtedly be wary of his attacking prowess. He forms a formidable midfield pairing with the experienced Matias Moroni (87 caps), a partnership that the head coach, Felipe Contepomi, hopes will flourish in the upcoming matches at the Aviva Stadium.

A Bright Future Beckons: The Pulpo's Continued Ascent

In summary, Lucio Cinti's journey showcases the ingredients for success in professional rugby: talent, unwavering commitment, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From navigating the chaotic traffic of Buenos Aires to securing a place in one of the world’s top rugby teams, his story inspires. His impressive skillset, strategic awareness, and growing international experience position him as a key figure in the Pumas' future. This young player’s potential is limitless, and the world is surely watching as Cinti’s star continues its dazzling ascent.

The future for this exceptional talent is brimming with potential, and his contributions to the Argentinian rugby team are undoubtedly set to shape the game for years to come. The unwavering support and belief shown by his coaches have clearly played a pivotal role in his success and his remarkable journey highlights the determination needed to succeed at the highest level of sport. His commitment and relentless work ethic underscore his determination to reach new heights and he serves as an inspiration to aspiring rugby players worldwide.