Joaquín Oviedo

Born in Argentina on 16 July 2001, Joaquín Oviedo is a flanker who carries the physical, abrasive edge long associated with his nation's forwards into the French game with US Arlequins Perpignanais. A back-row forward in his early twenties, Oviedo thrives in the contact area, competing for turnover ball and helping to set the defensive line speed that Perpignan demand week to week. His value lies in consistency rather than flourish: a high tackle count, relentless support running and a willingness to do the punishing close-quarters work that keeps a pack moving forward. Having developed his game across the Argentine and French systems, he brings an adaptable, hard-edged presence to the loose forwards, comfortable with both the structure of European club rugby and the combative instincts of the southern-hemisphere school in which he was raised. The Top 14 is among the most physically uncompromising competitions in the world, and Oviedo's appetite for the collision suits its demands. Still relatively early in his career, he remains a forward with room to grow as he accumulates top-flight experience and cements a regular role in the Perpignan back row.