Back when Michael Cheika was Felipe Contepomi's head coach at Leinster two decades ago, the former Argentina boss never imagined his immediate successor with the Pumas would have such a successful post-playing career. Contepomi departed for Toulon in 2009 after missing the Heineken Cup final through injury, while keeping a young Johnny Sexton out of the 10 jersey. Thirteen years later, Cheika brought Contepomi into the Pumas set-up as an assistant.
What changed? Cheika says Contepomi had to take a step back and self-reflect on his coaching desires. He went to Leinster and learnt his craft properly with good coaches in a comfortable environment. Contepomi succeeded Cheika after the 2023 World Cup and has authored wins over New Zealand, South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.
Former Leinster back Luke Fitzgerald describes Contepomi as having "folk-hero status" in Dublin, blending intellect and experience. Contepomi split his time in Dublin between playing and working to become a medical doctor, leaving the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with a Bachelor of Medicine degree in 2007, earning the nickname 'Dr Phil'. Contepomi arrives back in Dublin for the Nations Championship fixture against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, aiming for another big scalp despite reports he ruled himself out of the Leinster job.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing