When Michael Cheika coached Felipe Contepomi at Leinster two decades ago, the former Argentina boss never imagined his former fly-half would pursue a successful coaching career. Cheika explained that highly-skilled players often struggle as coaches because they assume everyone can replicate their natural abilities.
From Player to Master Coach
Thirteen years after their time together in Dublin, and following Contepomi’s four-season stint as Leinster’s attack coach, Cheika brought his former player into the Pumas coaching set-up as his assistant. Cheika noted that Contepomi entered coaching raw and took time to self-reflect, learning his craft properly in an environment where he felt comfortable.
Joe Schmidt, who succeeded Cheika at Leinster and later coached Australia, also went head-to-head with Contepomi during the Rugby Championships of 2024 and 2025. Schmidt described the Argentina boss as both a master of playing the game and a student of coaching who blends those attributes effectively.
Academic Background and Dublin Legacy
Contepomi balanced his playing career in Dublin with studies at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, earning a Bachelor of Medicine degree in 2007 and the nickname ‘Dr Phil’. Former Leinster back Luke Fitzgerald stated that Contepomi retains a folk-hero status in Dublin, combining high intellect, extensive experience, and creative flair.
Taking over from Cheika after the 2023 World Cup, Contepomi has secured victories over New Zealand, South Africa, and the British and Irish Lions. His recent return to Dublin for a Nations Championship fixture coincided with reports linking him to the Leinster job, though Noel McNamara was ultimately confirmed to fill the vacancy after Leo Cullen.
Cheika praised Contepomi’s work with the Pumas as they build toward the 2027 World Cup in Australia, noting that the eighth-ranked side achieves impressive consistency despite having fewer resources than other top rugby nations. Cheika expressed immense pride in his former player and colleague as they prepare to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.
