Tomas Cubelli: From Argentina to the Brumbies

Tomas Cubelli is an Argentinean rugby player currently in his first season with the Brumbies. The scrumhalf represented Argentina at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but now the 26-year-old is facing new challenges. Tomas is living in a different country and learning a new language, all whilst competing in the Southern Hemisphere’s toughest domestic competition, Super Rugby. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak with Tomas and find out how he’s settling into the Nation’s Capital.

Q: Do you feel you’ve settled in with the Brumbies team?

A: Yeah I think they are great players and human beings so it’s easy to find a place in the team so I really enjoy being a part of this team. Bit disappointing in the loss tonight [Brumbies loss to Chiefs] but we are a good team and still have things to show.

Q: Do the players understand you on the field?

A: Yes, we train hard in the week and the players understand each other playing rugby, so it’s easier but I think my English isn’t so bad.

Q: Your English is pretty good! Do any of the players speak Spanish?

A: Joe Tomane is talented with Spanish. But I’ve left my Spanish behind, I’ve tried to not speak it for a few weeks.

Q: How do you find living in Canberra so far? Do you like the city?

A: I like it yeah, I like it a lot. It’s a bit different to Buenos Aries where I’m from but I really enjoy it. You have to catch the rhythm [of the city] and the first week was a bit different. For example, driving on the other side of the road. In Argentina driving is crazy, so maybe if you see a bad driver in Canberra it might be me (laughs). Now I get the Canberra rhythm and I really enjoy it.

Q: Was it hard to adjust to Super Rugby from your competition in Argentina where you used to play?

A: No, not too much because the last two or three years I played in the Rugby Championship (International Rugby Competition) and it is similar. Test Rugby has a bit more structure so sometimes the games get a bit fast, but with a big preseason I think I can be good. I can manage to adjust to the rhythm of Super Rugby.

Q: Is there a following in Argentina of your process to Super Rugby? Are there now Brumbies fans in Argentina because of you?

A: I heard that some are staying up until three or five in the morning so that’s good to hear! People are very excited with Super Rugby because Argentina have a team now and I’m lucky that now they’re following the Brumbies.

By Tom Corrigan