Ignacio Ruiz

Ignacio Ruiz is a young Argentine hooker, born on 3 January 2001, whose combination of physicality and mobility has carried him into the France-based professional game with USA Perpignan (USAP). He has also earned senior Los Pumas recognition, profiling as one of the next-generation hookers in the Argentine system. Ruiz is a dynamic, front-foot forward. He carries hard into contact, competes aggressively at the breakdown and works to the high standards now demanded of modern hookers around the field. His set-piece work is built around active lineout throwing and a willingness to shoulder heavy scrum minutes, and he backs that up with the engine to chase kicks and repeat his defensive efforts late in matches. In Argentine colours he has been part of senior Pumas squads and has been exposed to Rugby Championship and November Test environments, broadening his experience against Tier One opposition. At USAP he has operated in the Top 14 environment, one of the most physically demanding club competitions in the world, where his willingness to compete in the collision area has helped cement his role in the front-row rotation. Still early in his career by hooker standards, Ruiz profiles as a long-term project for both Argentina and his French club.