If Stade Toulousain first intends to rely on its training, it rarely makes a mistake when looking for recruits. Unknown before arriving in France, Juan Cruz Mallia and Santiago Chocobares illustrate the quality of the reigning champions’ recruitment unit. Since then, the two Argentinian internationals have become team executives and actively participate in the success. Whether it is Mallia or Chocobares, both men master French well. Arriving in 2021 in a locker room without Spanish speakers, the back was nevertheless able to convert one of his teammates.
“We play in the best team in France and Europe”
In an interview given to France Blue ToulouseJuan Cruz Mallia confided that Paul Graou was particularly close to the Argentine clan: “I feel very good here. The city, frankly, is incredible. The weather is often good. Last Sunday, we had an “asado” (Argentine barbecue) with friends and players. There was Santi (Santiago Chocobares), Efrain Elias (young Argentinian Hope from Stade) but also Paul Graou. I think he will end up becoming Argentinian and playing with us. We became very close. With him and other friends and players, we drink coffee, we walk around town. And then, it’s incredible. We play at the Stadium, in the best team in France and Europe (winner of the Top 14 and the Champions Cup in 2024). So we are very happy to be here. » Returning to the competition last week after playing in the Rugby Championship, the Swiss army knife of the three-quarter line at Stade Toulousain risks quickly becoming essential again.
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To summarize
Juan Cruz Mallia spoke about his integration into Stade Toulousain. The Argentinian claims to have made friends with a teammate, close to him and Santiago Chocobares. He thus believes that Paul Graou will end up becoming Argentinian.
France
Rugby
