Santiago Mare: The Elegant Playmaker Leading Argentina’s Sevens Charge
With his effortless style, precise passing, sharp running, and commanding tackles, Santiago Mare—affectionately known as Toto—exudes pure class on the rugby field. As captain of Los Pumas 7s following the Tokyo Olympics, his influence has only grown, embracing the responsibility that comes with the role.
“Leading this team is easy; everyone knows their role, which makes my job simpler,” he says with pride. For Mare, rugby has been a lifelong journey, following in the footsteps of his father, a former player.
A Late Bloomer Who Mastered the Game
From the moment he could, Mare was immersed in the game, joining Regatas de Bella Vista at the age of five. However, by his mid-teens, he realized that while he had the skills, he lacked the physical development needed to excel. This led him to focus on refining his passing, game intelligence, and overall tactical awareness—qualities that have since become hallmarks of his play.
His physical development caught up around the age of 18, earning him a spot in Argentina’s U20 squad that finished third at the 2016 World Championship in Manchester. That team featured future Pumas 7s teammates Lautaro Bazán Vélez and Matías Osacdzuk, as well as senior Pumas stars Juan Cruz Mallía, Franco Molina, and Marcos Kremer.
A year later, Mare made his debut for Pumas 7s, embarking on a career that has seen him play 210 matches across 39 SVNS tournaments, scoring 43 tries. While still involved in XVs rugby with Argentina XV and his club, he eventually committed full-time to sevens, a decision shaped by the unwavering support of his family.
With three sisters and a rugby-playing brother, Mare grew up under the guidance of his father, who coached him from U5 to U19. His parents have traveled to watch him play at SVNS tournaments and the Olympics, with hopes of witnessing him in action again in Los Angeles next year.
“We’re a close family—my father is my greatest advisor,” Mare shares. So much so that his Olympic bronze medal from Tokyo sits proudly in his father’s office.
Chasing Glory Again
Mare is reluctant to speculate about his future beyond the upcoming competitions. While competing in two Olympics has been incredible, a third appearance would be a dream come true.
Reflecting on Tokyo, he acknowledges the challenges posed by empty stadiums and strict COVID protocols but sees the bronze medal as proof of the rewards that come with dedication to sevens. Since joining the team in 2017, he has witnessed its evolution, with players now fully committed to the sevens circuit.
Gone are the days when victories over powerhouses like Fiji and New Zealand seemed unattainable. The growth of sevens has instilled belief in the team, and with matches now broadcast live, players feel a stronger connection with fans.
“When hard work pays off, it creates something special. Now, we’re more visible, invited to clubs, and able to share our stories,” he says, recognizing the responsibility that comes with their rising profile.
A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
In 2021, just days after returning from Tokyo, Mare was on a plane with the Pumas XV squad for the Rugby Championship, spending another two months in bio-secure bubbles. An untimely injury kept him from playing, leading him to accept a short-term stint with Italy’s Mogliano Veneto. While the club lacked competitiveness, the experience only fueled his hunger for success.
Upon returning to the sevens setup, Mare played a key role in Argentina’s HSBC SVNS triumph last year. His leadership, composure, and on-field presence were vital, though missing out on both a back-to-back SVNS title and a second Olympic medal has only intensified the team’s determination this season.
Now, with a slow start behind them, Argentina heads to Hong Kong and Singapore, aiming to reclaim their place at the top.
“Winning again would validate everything we’ve been working on,” Mare states. “We have trust and conviction. Just looking at my teammates gives me confidence—we feed off each other’s energy.”
Unlike last season, where they had to travel home between tournaments, this year’s back-to-back fixtures minimize jet lag and disruption.
“Travel itself is the first opponent,” Mare jokes. “And then, we’re the team everyone wants to beat. Opponents study us more, but we embrace the challenge. We’ve been here before, and we’re more experienced now.”
Still motivated by past setbacks, Argentina is eager to peak over the next two weekends.
“Winning would mean everything to us.”
This weekend, Hong Kong will unveil its new stadium, and excitement is building on both sides of the touchline.
“Hong Kong is the heart of sevens rugby. Tradition and history live here, and as the stands fill with passionate fans, we step into a new era,” Mare concludes.
