Hands On! with Diego Magno

Uruguayan international back-rower Diego Magno is currently in Fukuoka, Japan preparing to play in the first of two test matches against the leading Asian rugby nation. This week he took time out of his busy schedule to talk to Americas Rugby News about the upcoming match, Uruguay’s final preparations for the World Cup and how the team has been preparing.

How do you feel about the recent victory against the Argentina XV in Montevideo?

The truth is that for us it was a huge victory. Long ago we played against teams from the second or third level of Argentina and we had never been able to beat them. Although I did not play in the match I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is another example of how Uruguayan rugby is on the right track.

How can you describe the importance of the Estadio Charrúa facilities to Los Teros y el Mundial?

I have been asked this question several times and I always answer the same, it was the key factor. I was a part of previous teams before acquiring the stadium and while I would not like to buy it was the players who suffered most by not being able to be at the required level. Today this has changed, the stadium has everything a player needs to compete internationally. In addition to the facilities that are very important there is a long-term project which makes this more interesting. Regarding the World Cup I think it was a result of the work, effort and dedication of many people. It was a prize, something we earned and that was very important in the project I mentioned earlier.

How is the competition for places in Los Teros?

Without question it is very tough. There are many good players and everybody wants to play in the next game, which means that nobody can ever relax and should perform to the highest standards.

Is it Uruguay’s actual starting lineup named to face Japan?

I believe that if one if going to play against a strong team, then there is no talking about starters and replacements, precisely because nobody has their place in the team secured.

Do you and your colleagues have dreams of playing professional rugby after the World Cup?

On a personal level it is not something that I have thought about greatly. I imagine that many would certainly be in search of the possibility to play professionally. It can never be discarded but should be something that comes after the World Cup.

What are your goals as a player in the World Cup?

To arrive at the best moment. Llegar en el mejor momento. To try to give it my best and measure myslef against the best in the world. Achieving the required level and representing Uruguay to the best of my ability.

Uruguay will be playing against four excellent teams in Pool A – are there goals for the individual matches – Wales, Australia, Fiji and England?

They are the best teams in the world and everyone knows this. We are going to take it one game at a time and differenced will be noticed on the field. The goals are collective, all of us want to face the best in the world and without question none of them are going to be very easy.

And the future – have you been thinking about the Americas Six Nations?

I try to think about today, to enjoy it and to learn. I am not sure what will happen after the World Cup. I have heard that there will be a possibility of playing in an Americas Six Nations, which would be amazing to continue having competition and to be able to get better.

Thank you Diego and best of luck against Japan and in the World Cup.

Diego Magno is an international rugby player for Uruguay and plays his club rugby for MVCC in Montevideo. He made his international debut against Russia in 2008 and will earn his 48th cap today against Japan. He is 26 years old and plays at openside flanker. Follow Diego on Twitter @dmagno89