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There are three options for Los Jaguares in 2021: play in Australia, South Africa or South America, writes Lisandro Olearo for El Ciudadano. Indications are that Los Jaguares will not disband; the team will play professional rugby in 2021.
The destination of Argentina’s first professional side is presently unknown. The future of Super Rugby itself is set to be unveiled on Tuesday.
One possibility is for Los Jaguares to play in Australia next year. This being the case then all matches would be on the road and the players and staff would be based in Australia for more than four months.
Another is for Los Jaguares to play in South Africa. It would continue the tradition wherein Argentine sides, the Pampas XV and Jaguares XV played in the Vodacom Cup and the Currie Cup First Division. Such a possibility would be cheaper than playing in Australia, albeit it would also see the UAR operating on a substantial loss.
The third option is South America, specifically play in the Liga Súper Liga Americana (SLAR). This would see the league expanded and Argentina fielding two teams – Los Ceibos in Córdoba and Los Jaguares in Buenos Aires. They would join Corinthians (Brazil), Olimpia Lions (Paraguay), Peñarol (Uruguay), and Selknam (Chile). Cafeteros Pro (Colombia) are expected to play their rookie season in 2021.
There is notable pressure from Australia and New Zealand to modify Super Rugby immediately. In the event that Los Jaguares were to play in the Australian competition in 2021, would they do so in 2022? Will Super Rugby continue? Olearo notes that the UAR ought to analyze the options carefully; prior to COVID-19 Super Rugby was heading for a conclusion in 2025.
Unlike competing in Australia or South Africa, Los Jaguares could turn a profit in the SLAR. Travel costs would be drastically reduced and television would certainly cover the competition as ESPN did in 2020. SLAR started optimistically with 6,000 spectators in attendance for Ceibos vs Olímpia Lions.
