Former Argentina international Juan Imhoff secures surprising international head coach job

The former Argentina international, who earned more than 40 caps and represented his country at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and 2015 Rugby World Cup, takes on the role at a pivotal moment. Morocco is aiming to establish itself more strongly on both the African and global rugby stages.

Imhoff enjoyed a highly successful club career with Racing 92, including winning the Top 14 title in 2016 and reaching several European finals. Since retiring in 2024, he has focused on developing rugby sevens structures and working as an analyst for Canal+.

His arrival comes as Morocco prepares for major upcoming tournaments, including the Rugby Africa Sevens Championship in Mauritius, a key qualifying event for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

A statement from the Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation read:

"As part of its preparation for upcoming international competitions, the Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation announces the appointment of former Argentine international Juan José Imhoff as head coach of the Moroccan men’s national rugby sevens team.

"This appointment comes as the national team prepares to participate in the next continental competitions, notably the African Rugby Sevens Championship, scheduled to take place in Mauritius.

"Through this decision, the Federation aims to build a competitive national team capable of representing Moroccan rugby on the African stage and targeting qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

"Strong in his experience at the highest level and his knowledge of modern rugby, Juan José Imhoff will be responsible for structuring and strengthening the Moroccan national rugby sevens team, supporting player development, and preparing the squad for upcoming African and international competitions.

"In the same move, the Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation has also appointed former Moroccan international Nabil Jelti as Technical Director of the national rugby sevens team (seniors).

"This appointment is part of a strategy to strengthen the structure and technical governance of the national teams, in order to ensure a competitive presence of Moroccan rugby in African and international competitions."

A separate post added:

"The Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation extends its sincere congratulations and a warm welcome to Argentine coach Juan José Imhoff on the occasion of his appointment as head coach of the Moroccan men’s national rugby sevens team.

"It wishes him great success in his new role and expresses its confidence in his ability—thanks to his experience and his career at the highest level—to lead the national team toward strong performances on the African and international stages, thereby contributing to the growth and development of Moroccan rugby."

Imhoff brings a wealth of international experience. He earned 42 caps for Argentina after debuting in a dominant 89–6 win over Chile on 20 May 2009 during the South American Rugby Championship in Montevideo, where he scored four tries.

He featured in four matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, scoring twice, and competed at the 2015 Rugby World Cup scoring 3 tries. Imhoff was also part of Argentina's Olympic sevens team for the 2016 Summer Olympics.