# Nations Championship rugby injury and squad updates

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nations-championship-rugby-injury-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-30T13:42:24.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 5.

National rugby squads for Argentina and Italy are facing significant roster challenges as they prepare for the Nations Championship. The Argentina squad, Los Pumas, arrived in London to prepare for upcoming matches against Ireland, Italy, and France. The team must contend with injuries to Santiago Carreras and Thomas Gallo. Carreras sustained a non-contact knee injury while playing for Bath, and Gallo will miss the November tests following wrist surgery. To mitigate these losses, the team has called up Rodrigo Martínez and Mateo Soler, while Matías Moroni joined to replace Santiago Chocobares, who remains under concussion protocols. Facundo Isa has also joined the squad to replace Santiago Grondona due to injury.

Following a three day training camp in London, Los Pumas have finalized their squad and will relocate to Dublin ahead of their November 6 match against Ireland at Aviva Stadium. Their schedule continues with fixtures against Italy in Genoa on November 14 and France in Paris on November 21, concluding with Finals Weekend in London from November 27 to 29. Head coach Felipe Contepomi noted the camp provided a positive opportunity to review work.

Meanwhile, the Italian national team is preparing for the second phase of the tournament. Italy is scheduled to face South Africa on November 7 in Turin, followed by Argentina on November 14, and Fiji on November 21. Assistant forwards coach Roberto Santamaria noted that facing Tier 1 teams in consecutive matches presents a significant challenge, particularly regarding the strength of the South African scrum. This follows reports that head coach Gonzalo Quesada was facing a shortage of players, with 16 out of a 32 man squad previously listed as unavailable.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: Italy prepares for Nations Championship matches against South Africa, Argentina, and Fiji

Italy faces a challenging Nations Championship schedule against South Africa, Argentina, and Fiji, with matches broadcast on Sky Sport and TV8.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-prepares-for-nations-championship-matches-against-south-africa-argentina-and-fiji

### 2026-10-29: Argentina rugby squad finalized for Nations Championship conclusion

Argentina's Los Pumas have finalized their squad for the Nations Championship, with upcoming matches against Ireland, Italy, and France scheduled throughout November.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-rugby-squad-finalized-for-nations-championship-conclusion

### 2026-10-26: Italy national rugby team begins training for Nations Championship

The Italian men's rugby team has started training in Padova for the Nations Championship, beginning with a November 7 match against South Africa despite several key injury absences.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-national-rugby-team-begins-training-for-nations-championship

### 2026-10-25: Italy rugby squad faces significant injury crisis ahead of November tests

Italy's rugby squad faces a major injury crisis, with 16 players unavailable for the upcoming Nations Championship matches.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-rugby-squad-faces-significant-injury-crisis-ahead-of-november-tests

### 2026-10-25: Argentina rugby team faces injury setbacks ahead of Nations Championship

Argentina's Los Pumas face injury concerns for the Nations Championship as Santiago Carreras and Thomas Gallo are ruled out of the November tests in Europe.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-rugby-team-faces-injury-setbacks-ahead-of-nations-championship

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Cite as: Nations Championship rugby injury and squad updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nations-championship-rugby-injury-updates