Ledesma steps down as Argentina rugby coach

BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) — Mario Ledesma has resigned as head coach of Argentina’s national rugby team following a poor run of results, the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) said on Wednesday.

The announcement follows eight losses in the past nine matches, including a 53-7 defeat to Ireland in their last outing.

“It’s a personal decision and it’s nobody’s fault,” Ledesma told a press conference. “It’s not because of the players or the staff, it’s just the end of a cycle.”

“Taking this decision is difficult, who wants to step way from all this? Nobody. But if you put the team first and you are sufficiently humble then that’s what you have to do.”

The 48-year-old former Pumas hooker had been in the role for more than three years, leading the team to eight wins, three draws and 22 defeats.

Argentina’s next fixtures are scheduled for July, when they will host Scotland, before clashes against Australia and Argentina in the Rugby Championship starting in August.