Contepomi and Pichot head for Argentina

International duty
By Duncan Wood
October 27 2002

The postponement of today's game against Harlequins denied Bristol supporters the opportunity to bid farewell to their Argentinian half backs who now head off on international duty.

It's a shame that the game today against Harlequins for various reasons. However, one that immediately springs to mind is that it denied the Bristol supporters the opportunity to bid a temporary farewell to their Argentinian half backs.

Felipe Contepomi and Agustin Pichot were due to play against Quins today before jetting back to Argentina in order to represent their country against Australia. They will miss the away match at Sale but hoope to return for the home game against Newcastle.

They' ve been popular with the Bristol crowd since their respective arrivals but never more so than this current season when they have both been in scintillating form.

Bearing in mind that they both had pretty busy summers representing Argentina in various Test matches, their attitude and performances have been first class.

Felipe has, predictably, been far and away Bristol's highest points scorer this season. Gus, for his part, has been in great form and has impressed in virtually every match for his 100% commitment.

This week, they endeared themselves to the Bristol public even more when they declared that they would be willing to interrupt their international duties in order to come back and play for their club. It was a top gesture by two top players.

Good luck to the pair of them against Australia and in their subsequent Test matches.

Play well and come back healthy!