Damian de Lima

Damian de Lima has established himself as one of South America's premier rugby union forwards, bringing intensity, technical excellence, and tactical intelligence to the flanker position for both his club and country. Born in Córdoba, Argentina in 1995, de Lima grew up in a rugby-mad family where the sport was not just a pastime but a way of life, with his father having played at provincial level and instilling in him the values of discipline and teamwork from an early age.

De Lima's rugby journey began at Córdoba Athletic Club, where his physicality and work rate quickly distinguished him from his peers. Standing 6'2" and weighing 240 pounds, he possessed the ideal frame for a modern flanker, combining size with exceptional speed and endurance. His performances at youth level for Córdoba earned him selection to Argentina's under-20 squad, where he captained the team at the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, leading Los Pumitas to a semifinal finish that remains one of their best performances in the tournament's history.

The flanker's professional career took off when he joined the Jaguares in their inaugural Super Rugby season in 2016. De Lima quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise, earning a reputation as one of the competition's most destructive defenders and breakdown specialists. His ability to win turnovers, make dominant tackles, and provide go-forward ball carrying made him indispensable to the Jaguares' game plan. The pinnacle of his club career came in 2019 when he helped lead the Jaguares to the Super Rugby final, their defensive intensity and forward dominance throughout the tournament showcasing de Lima at his absolute best.

De Lima made his debut for the Argentine national team, Los Pumas, in 2016 against Wales in Cardiff, marking the occasion with a man-of-the-match performance that included two turnovers and fifteen tackles. Since then, he has become a regular fixture in the Argentine pack, earning over sixty caps and establishing himself as one of the team's defensive leaders. His performances during Argentina's historic first-ever victory over the All Blacks in 2020 demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stages, with his breakdown work proving crucial in disrupting New Zealand's attacking rhythm.

Known for his exceptional fitness and work rate, de Lima regularly tops tackle counts and runs some of the furthest distances of any forward in international rugby. His playing style combines old-school physicality with modern athleticism, making him equally effective in defensive situations and as a ball carrier in open play. Rugby analysts particularly praise his rugby intelligence and ability to read the game, often positioning himself perfectly to force turnovers or make crucial defensive interventions.

Off the field, Damian de Lima is known for his humility and commitment to developing rugby in Argentina, regularly visiting schools and clubs in Córdoba to inspire the next generation. As Argentine rugby continues its upward trajectory in world rugby, de Lima remains a vital component of their success and a symbol of the passion and skill that defines South American rugby.