Puma power is pushing Gloucester to new heights
Gloucester's Puma-powered renaissance is gathering pace, with the hard-working attitude of the club's Argentina stars predicted to take the club to fresh heights.
A trio of Gloucester's standout players so far this season have been Argentinian – and a fourth is due at Kingsholm imminently.
Matias Alemanno, Santiago Socino and Santiago Carreras have all, in their different ways, been among Gloucester's biggest attacking threats this season, with lock Alemanno powering his way to a brace against arch-rivals Bath and Socino skilfully controlling the lineout drive. Carreras is a mainstay of the back three and has shown his class with both boot and ball in hand.
Now hooker Socino is predicting that prop Mayco Vivas, who played for the now-disbanded Jaguares Super 15 franchise, will have a similar impact when he arrives at Gloucester following injury rehabilitation.
“We're buzzing that Mayco is coming – he's a great player, a great guy,” he said. “He's a hard worker, he will fit right into the squad. Giving anything less than everything you've got is not something we like doing.”
Socino says Gloucester is fast becoming a homefrom-home for the club's South American contingent, with the Argentinians enjoying some home comforts after training, such as their homeland's distinctive tea.
“It's great to have people who share your lifestyle and language,” said Socino, who has been overlooked by Michael Cheika for selection for the autumn internationals despite strong form for his club, including two tries at London Irish last weekend.
“I feel comfortable with the English guys in English but sometimes you want to have someone who makes you feel closer to home. It's a massive blessing for us to be here together.”
George Skivington, the Cherry and Whites' director of rugby, says the attitude of his Argentinian crop has made him positive about recruiting more.
“They are massive characters,” said Skivington. “They are a really integrated part of our squad. The boys love them.
“They respect the fact they are getting paid to do a job which is brilliant. They love The Shed and it's a good fit. They train hard, they play hard, they get really stuck in with the boys on a social level.
“A lot of bringing in Mayco was through talking to our current Argentinians and them saying his character aligned with theirs. They are open to criticism and discussion. They are very humble and it adds to the work ethic here.”
Skivington, a former lock, is an experienced exponent of the setpiece, and Socino says his game is evolving thanks to Skivington and forwards coach Trevor Woodman.
Socino said: “I do enjoy the setpiece and here at Gloucester it is prized and we work on it a lot. And it's giving us dividends. Both George and Trevor are really good coaches and
