Tomás Vallejos Cinalli: The Career of the Argentine Rugby Lock
In the high-impact world of professional rugby union, the role of the lock—the engine room of the scrum—requires immense physical presence and technical skill. Tomás Vallejos Cinalli, a towering athlete from Argentina, has carved out a diverse professional career spanning several of the most competitive leagues in Europe and the Southern Hemisphere.
Born on October 16, 1984, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, Vallejos brought a formidable physical profile to the pitch, standing at 196 cm (6 ft 5 in) and weighing 113 kg. His journey from amateur rugby in his hometown to the international stage is a testament to his versatility and resilience as a forward.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Tomás Vallejos Cinalli
- Position: Lock
- Nationality: Argentine
- Height/Weight: 196 cm / 113 kg
- International Caps: 7 appearances for Argentina (2011–2013)
- Major Achievement: Part of the Harlequins squad that won the 2011–12 Premiership final.
Professional Journey and Club Career
Vallejos began his rugby journey at the amateur level with Logaritmo Rugby Club in Rosario. His potential quickly caught the attention of professional scouts, leading him to Italy where he joined Overmach Parma between 2007 and 2010, making 24 appearances.
His career reached a new peak during the 2009–10 season when he signed with the English powerhouse Harlequins. Initially brought in to cover for the injured Jim Evans, Vallejos became a mainstay in the squad. A career highlight occurred during the 2011–12 season, where he served as a replacement in Harlequins' victory over the Leicester Tigers in the Premiership final.
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Following his success in England, Vallejos moved to Wales in June 2012 to join the Scarlets. However, his tenure there was brief; he was granted a contract release to join the Pampas XV, allowing him to compete fully in the 2013 Vodacom Cup, a key developmental competition for Argentine players.
Later Career and European Transitions
The latter part of Vallejos' career was marked by a series of moves across Europe's top tiers. He spent time with the Coca-Cola Red Sparks (2013–14), Treviso (2014–15), and Stade Français (2015). He later played for Provence (2015–16) before settling in with USO Nevers from 2016 to 2018, where he made 27 appearances and scored 10 points.
Career Statistics Summary
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of Tomás Vallejos Cinalli's professional club and international appearances.
| Period | Team | Apps | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–10 | Parma | 24 | 15 |
| 2010–12 | Harlequins | 56 | 5 |
| 2012–13 | Scarlets | 8 | 0 |
| 2013 | Pampas XV | 5 | 0 |
| 2013–14 | Coca-Cola Red Sparks | 7 | 0 |
| 2014–15 | Treviso | 17 | 0 |
| 2015 | Stade Français | 4 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | Provence | 12 | 5 |
| 2016–18 | USO Nevers | 27 | 10 |
| 2011–13 | Argentina (International) | 7 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What position did Tomás Vallejos Cinalli play?
He played as a lock, a position in the second row of the scrum responsible for securing possession in the lineout and providing power in the scrum.
Which major trophy did he win with Harlequins?
He was part of the Harlequins squad that won the Premiership final in the 2011–12 season, appearing as a replacement in the victory over Leicester Tigers.
How many times did he represent the Argentine national team?
Vallejos earned 7 caps for the Argentina national team between 2011 and 2013.
Why did he leave the Scarlets in 2013?
He was granted a release from his contract with the Scarlets to join the Pampas XV so he could compete in the 2013 Vodacom Cup.
Where did he start his rugby career?
He began his rugby journey at the amateur level with Logaritmo Rugby Club in Rosario, Argentina.