Pablo Matera's World Cup Exit: Lucas Paulos Steps In

 Pablo Matera's World Cup Exit: Lucas Paulos Steps In

Argentina's lock Lucas Paulos (Centre Top) passes the ball during a lineout during the Rugby Championship final-round match between South Africa and Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on July 29, 2023(Image-Getty)

Argentina's influential loose forward, Pablo Matera, has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup due to a confirmed injury in France. Lucas Paulos has been named as his replacement. Matera's injury, a tear in his right hamstring, occurred during Argentina's crucial 39-27 victory over Japan in Nantes, securing their spot in the quarter-finals against Wales in Marseille.

The Argentine Rugby Union made the announcement that Lucas Paulos, a second-row player from Bayonne who was already training with the squad at their base near Marseille, would step in to fill Matera's shoes.

Lucas Paulos, a 25-year-old player, boasts 12 caps for the Pumas, with his most recent appearance coming as a starter in the Rugby Championship match against South Africa in Johannesburg in July.