Raúl Pérez: From Argentine Flanker to International Coach
Raúl Norberto Pérez is a distinguished figure in the world of rugby union, having transitioned from a dedicated playing career in Argentina to a versatile coaching role on the international stage. Known for his physicality and strategic mind, Pérez has left a lasting mark on both the domestic and global rugby landscapes.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Raúl Norberto Pérez
- Born: July 2, 1965, in Rosario, Argentina
- Playing Position: Flanker (a forward responsible for tackling and supporting the scrum)
- International Caps: 21 appearances for Argentina (1992–1999)
- Current Role: Head Coach of the Paraguay national team (Los Yakares)
- Professional Background: Systems analyst and programmer
Playing Career and International Experience
Raúl Pérez spent his entire club career with the Duendes Rugby Club, playing from the 1983/84 season through to 1999/2000. Standing at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) and weighing 230 lb (100 kg), his presence as a flanker provided essential strength and mobility to his team.
His excellence at the club level led to his selection for the Argentina national team. Between 1992 and 1999, Pérez earned 21 caps, scoring one try for a total of 5 points. Although he was selected for the 1999 Rugby World Cup squad, he did not see game time during the tournament.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Transition to Coaching
Following his retirement from active play, Pérez leveraged his technical knowledge to enter coaching. He began his journey with Duendes from 2001/02 to 2004/05, before moving into developmental roles. He coached the Rosario Rugby Union U-23 team (2005–2007) and the Argentina U-21 side (2007–2008).
Pérez's ascent continued as he became one of the two coaches for Argentina A in 2009. By 2013, he was appointed as the assistant coach for the Argentine senior national side, serving under head coach Daniel Hourcade. He also contributed his expertise to the Jaguares, the Argentine Super Rugby franchise, between 2016 and 2017.
In July 2018, Pérez took on a major leadership role as the Head Coach of the Paraguay national rugby union team, known as Los Yakares. Additionally, he has been involved with the Olimpia Lions since 2020.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Career Summary Table
| Period | Role/Team | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1983–2000 | Duendes | Player |
| 1992–1999 | Argentina (21 caps) | International Player |
| 2001–2005 | Duendes | Coach |
| 2007–2008 | Argentina U-21 | Coach |
| 2009–Present | Argentina A | Coach |
| 2013–2017 | Argentina Senior / Jaguares | Assistant Coach |
| 2018–Present | Paraguay (Los Yakares) | Head Coach |
Frequently Asked Questions
What position did Raúl Pérez play during his rugby career?
Raúl Pérez played as a flanker, a position in the forward pack that requires a combination of strength, speed, and tackling ability.
Which club did Raúl Pérez play for throughout his entire career?
He played for the Duendes Rugby Club from 1983/84 until the 1999/2000 season.
How many international caps did he earn for Argentina?
Pérez earned 21 caps for the Argentine national team between 1992 and 1999, scoring one try.
What is Raúl Pérez's current coaching role?
He is currently the head coach of the Paraguay national rugby union team, commonly referred to as Los Yakares.
Did Raúl Pérez have a career outside of rugby?
Yes, Raúl Pérez worked professionally as a systems analyst and programmer.