Bizarre reason explains Pumas’ no-show in captain’s photo

After a bungled photo opportunity left Argentina ‘disrespected’, a joint statement has revealed the bizarre reason why the Pumas were left out in the cold.

SANZAAR and Rugby Australia have apologised over a bungled photo opportunity in Townsville, after Argentina coach Mario Ledesma said his side felt “disrespected” over missing out.

As part of the Rugby Championship – contested between Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa — a promotional photo shoot was held in Townsville, and featured the captains of the respective nations with one notable exception: Julián Montoya of Argentina.

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However, in a joint statement from SANZAAR and Rugby Australia, it is revealed a “communications breakdown” was what led to the picture of Michael Hooper, Siya Kolisi and Ardie Savea being papped and published.

In fact, only Kolisi and Savea were meant to be snapped together as a historic milestone between their respective nations loomed, and a group shot of the three teams was never the intended purpose of the shoot.

“SANZAAR and Rugby Australia management would like to apologise to Argentina Rugby for the error that led to a photograph being published in the media that misrepresented The Rugby Championship in that it omitted Argentina,” the statement read.

Michael Hooper, Siya Kolisi and Ardie Savea pose next to the Rugby Championship trophy. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“A promotional photograph featuring the captains of Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa had been planned for the tournament once all matches had been rescheduled to be played in Queensland. A photo session was organised for the day before the Round 5 matches in Townville on 24 September. Unfortunately, a late travel change then meant that the Argentina captain could not make the designated time for the photo session.

“It was determined that the photo session would proceed so that a photo of the New Zealand and South African captains could be taken to promote the historic 100th match between the two countries. Furthermore, the Australian captain would be photographed in the First Nations jersey that the Australian team would wear in the match for local promotion. These photographs were taken and utilised by the media from the respective countries.

“However, during the photo session a communications breakdown led to a photograph being taken of the three attending captains with the trophy, minus the absent Argentina captain. SANZAAR and Rugby Australia take full responsibility for this error and acknowledge that it should not have happened and fully understands Argentina Rugby’s disappointment over this matter after the image appeared in the media. SANZAAR would like to publicly state that no disrespect was intended and indeed would like to thank Argentina Rugby for its unselfish and committed contribution to The Rugby Championship, highlighted by the fact that it has played all matches away from home over the last two years.”

The Pumas tasted defeat against the Wallabies last Saturday. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The apology was made after Argentina coach Mario Ledesma vented his frustration following the Pumas’ 27-8 loss to the Wallabies on Saturday.

“The boys and the staff, we felt really disrespected,” Ledesma said.

“We’re not asking for much. We are always travelling and we never complain, but we feel sometimes we are getting treated with disrespect. We just continue and cop it on the chin. It hurts, it hurts a lot.

“We have families and kids we haven’t seen for ages now, the only thing we are asking is to get treated fairly or with respect.

“I think rugby has values, I am sure of it, and they weren’t respected here. It is just not on.”

The Pumas will get their chance to level the scores when they take on the Wallabies on Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium.

Originally published as Bizarre reason explains Pumas’ no-show in captain’s photo