We were disrespected Fired up Ledesma slams Rugby Australia and SANZAAR after photo opportunity

Argentina rugby coach Mario Ledesma has slammed Rugby Australia and SANZAAR, saying the Pumas were “disrespected” by not being involved in a Rugby Championship photo opportunity on Friday in Townsville.

However, RA rejects some facts presented by a furious Ledesma in the wake of a 27-8 loss to the Wallabies on Saturday evening and says attempts were made for all four captains to be present for a photo opportunity.

Michael Hooper, Siya Kolisi and Ardie Savea pose for a photo in Townsville on Friday. Credit:Getty

Ten minutes into Ledesma’s post-match media conference with reporters on Saturday evening, the former Wallabies assistant coach brought up something that had been bothering him.

“Just one thing before we finish up,” Ledesma said. “I just want to make a point about what happened this week with the captain’s photo.

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

Eyebrows were raised on Friday when Wallabies captain Michael Hooper joined All Blacks skipper Ardie Savea and World Cup-winning Springboks captain Siya Kolisi at a photoshoot in Townsville.

Despite no sign of an Argentinian representative, the trio posed for photos as a group and individually. Savea and Kolisi were also photographed together ahead of South Africa and New Zealand’s historic 100th Test on Saturday, which New Zealand won by two points.

The All Blacks released a video of the three stars chatting and joking with one another at the light-hearted media gathering, which was designed to help sell tickets for the matches.

After some online questions as to why Argentina was not present, the Wallabies Instagram account wrote in a comment: “Argentina’s captain Julian Montoya couldn’t attend today due to the team’s travel schedule and later arrival into Townsville.”

Ledesma was enraged when photos and video emerged of the three players, without Pumas captain Julian Montoya, after requests were made for the photo opportunity not go ahead.

“We were disrespected,” Ledesma said. “[There was] a video. Everyone is joking and having a good time. Our captain is not there. How do you think we feel about that? How would you feel about that if Australia was treated that way? [There should be] a little common sense and say guys, ‘we are four teams over here, we cannot make a picture and a video with one captain missing’. Even if it’s lost in translation. It’s not an excuse or valid.

Argentina coach Mario Ledesma watches his team warm up ahead of their match against Australia on Saturday night. Credit:Getty

“At the end of the day, if we’re not here, you shouldn’t do it, just [out of] respect. I don’t think it’s a lot to ask.

“I don’t know if it was Rugby Australia, SANZAAR or whatever. It’s just disrespectful and it hurts a lot because we have families. We have kids we haven’t seen for ages now. The only thing we ask is to get treated fairly and with respect.”

A Rugby Australia spokesperson said attempts were made two weeks ago for a photo with all captains to be taken, in order to promote Rugby Championship matches that were relocated to Queensland. However, given some teams were based an hour apart, it was determined that was not possible.

The Herald has seen correspondence between all four Unions outlining plans for a captain’s photo with all four teams in Townsville.

Argentina did make it clear, however, that due to travel plans Montoya could not be in Townsville on Friday morning for the photo opportunity. The team did not arrive in Townsville until late on Friday afternoon.

While there was some talk of sending a non-playing member of the Pumas squad along, Argentina did not agree to do so and were under the impression no group photos would be taken. An RA staff member offered to pick a Pumas player up from the airport and transport them to the photoshoot, just to have a representative from all four teams, if it could be managed.

Photographers took pictures of the trio, which were published on various platforms.

Argentina rugby officials did not want photos taken without one of their players and are upset by what has occurred.

“We were told they weren’t supposed to take the picture,” Ledesma said. “We’re not asking for much. Last year when South Africa pulled out, we came over here, went through strict lockdown and were away from home for three or four months. We’re the only team that haven’t played at home for more than two years. We feel sometimes we get treated with disrespect and we continue and cop it on the chin.

“Nobody seems to care because no one picked it up.”

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