Wainwright travels to first cap scene as Pumas wait
Number eight Aaron Wainwright will return to the location of his international debut next weekend if he takes the field for Wales against Argentina in San Juan.
Wainwright earned his first cap when he came on as a replacement during Wales' 23–10 victory in San Juan in June 2018.
Wales are set to play the Pumas again at the same stadium after undertaking a 7,000-mile journey and a 17-hour flight.
"I won my first cap out there in San Juan, so I'm excited to go back and revisit the experience," said Wainwright.
"My dad made the journey out for my first cap and I spoke to him about potentially coming out again. But I don't think he fancies that this time round with how far the travel is!"
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Aaron Wainwright has participated in two Rugby World Cups since his international debut against Argentina in June 2018.
He recalls vivid memories from that match eight years ago.
"From what I can remember last time, it was a very hostile and loud crowd, with all the fencing stopping the fans from getting on the pitch," said Wainwright.
"That's something the guys that haven't been before will be able to look forward to. The crowd are very noisy and passionate. They were incredibly loud back then as well, so I'm sure it will be another good occasion to be involved in."
Wainwright was just 21 at the time but is now one of the most experienced players in the squad, having earned 68 international caps.
The 28-year-old is one of six players remaining from that 2018 trip to Argentina, alongside wing Josh Adams, hooker Ryan Elias, prop Dillon Lewis, lock Adam Beard, and scrum-half Tomos Williams.
"Travel's something we're going to have to face and get around it and that's part of professional sport," said Wainwright.
"We have a great backroom coaching staff and strength and conditioning guys that have everything in place ready for us, so it is just about following that. I'm sure that come game time next week, everyone will be ready to go."
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Winning becomes a habit
Wainwright will be encouraged by recent success at the Cardiff City Stadium, a venue linked to his junior involvement with the football club.
Although he never played an official match at Cardiff City's home ground, he is satisfied with winning there as a Welsh rugby player.
"It was a different stadium to play in, a first time doing that internationally, which was something I enjoyed," said Wainwright.
"It was a great occasion, still really loud here, so massive thanks to all the fans that came out and made it a good occasion."
This marked Wales' first back-to-back Test wins since the 2023 World Cup and their third consecutive victory following an uncapped international win against the Barbarians the previous weekend.
This mini revival follows a difficult period where Wales secured only two wins in 27 internationals between October 2023 and March 2026.
"We need to just keep building on the wins," said Wainwright.
"It starts to become a habit and the belief starts to build. I remember speaking when we were going through the middle of that poor run of form and the losses were adding up. We probably had guys coming into the team with not very much international experience. We've ridden that wave and hopefully are maybe starting to come out the other end of that."
