Since he made his international debut in 2003, Patricio Albacete has become a key player in the pack that has powered the Pumas to the forefront of world rugby. His consistency and durability has also gained him a career in French club rugby at Colomiers, Pau and, from 2006, Toulouse.

Albacete made his debut for Argentina in 2003, starting in a victory over Paraquay that saw the Pumas win 144-0. He was not among the try scorers and has so far only collected one try for his country, against Georgia, in the 2007 Rugby World Cup finals.

That tournament brought Albacete the most recognition. He played in all seven games and was present when Argentina defeated France to secure third place behind the two finalists, South Africa and England.

Argentina's only defeat came in the semi-final against the Springboks after beating France and Ireland to be the winners of the tournament's toughest pool. For Albacete, it was his second World Cup finals having played in 2003 following his entry into international rugby.

Albacete first moved to France in 2003 when he joined Colomiers before moving to Pau. He joined Toulouse in 2006 and has become a regular first-team squad member, playing in the team that finished runners-up to Munster in the 2008 Heineken Cup.

Albacete was integral in their 2010 Heineken Cup win and their Top 14 triumph the following year. Earning himself a reputation as one of the world's premier locks, Albacete will go to the 2011 World Cup as one of Argentina's key men.