Up and Under

Up and Under is a weekly feature on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week.

UP

Denver Stampede, PRO Rugby
It is official, the inaugural PRO Rugby champions come from the Rocky Mountains. The Denver Stampede were crowned PRO Rugby champions on Sunday, doing so despite losing against the Ohio Aviators. Those covering the game live were confused as to who had won. Initially Ohio were said to have won before corrections came through to confirm Denver finished with 48 competition points, one more than the Aviators. San Diego came in third on 25, San Francisco fourth with 24 and Sacramento collected the wooden spoon with 18 points. All-in-all it was a very successful maiden season and signs are pointing to an expanded league in 2017.

Brazil’s November Tour
Brazil is set to play three test matches in November, that is more than the USA! Yes, you read correctly. In addition to embarking on a two-match tour of Germany, Os Tupis are to also take on Portugal in their end of year tour. The USA, in contrast are to face Tonga and Romania in Europe. Their third match is to be uncapped with the Maori All Blacks playing in Chicago.

Rugby World Cup 2027 in Argentina
World Rugby vice-chairman and Hall-of-Famer Agustín Pichot has reaffirmed Argentina’s credentials and interest in hosting Rugby World Cup 2027. Pichot wants his country to host in 2027 and is to meet again with the president of the Republic of Argentina, Mauricio Macri in October to push forward the candidacy. Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the 11th edition of the tournament. No previous Rugby World Cup has taken place in the Americas.

Uruguay Signs New Agreement
Going from strength to strength is Uruguay. Rugby in the country is looking to continue growing by engaging in more areas of society. An agreements signed will now see the sport taken to all areas of society. This will even include slums. URU and Sudamérica Rugby Council member Andrés Pieroni pointed out that “the plan is to be able to take rugby to all sectors of the population, transmitting its values and establishing some kind of league in which the children from the slums could share the experience. This would be the beginning an from there it would incorporate people into our great family.”

Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique
Rugby on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola has received a major boost. A new agreement has been signed by the Dominican Republic, France, Haiti and Martinique to strengthen rugby in the countries. The agreement seeks to work together to develop a cooperative program which will contribute to strengthening the both the sport and communications between the above mentioned countries. They believe that the values of rugby are to be a powerful way to achieve the goals of peace and the bringing together of the countries.

Conor Trainor
Departing for France is Canadian centre Trainor. The star Canadian rugby 7’s player has signed for newly promoted Pro D2 side Vannes. It comes just before the Olympic Games and the player mentioned his disappointment in Canada failing to qualify on social media. Trainor’s vast experience has seen him a regular for his country on the Sevens Circuit from 2010-present. He has also extensive experience for Canada at test level, playing in Rugby World Cups 2011 and 2015. In 2011 he completed the rarity of scoring two tries against New Zealand in Wellington.

UNDER

Phil Mack
While one Canadian Sevens player is on the up another is on the under. Scrum half Phil Mack announced his retirement this past week, doing so at the age of 30. It leaves Canada in a tough spot following the recent retirement of fellow scrum half Sean White. Both are major losses with Rugby World Cup experience. Mack’s retirement comes with 31 test caps to his name. He debuted for Canada in 2009 against Ireland and made his final appearance against Romania last October. He was also a regular player for his country on the HSBC Sevens Circuit. Earlier this year he participated in his 50th series, doing so at the Las Vegas Sevens.

Chile
Spare a thought for Chile. On the one hand Brazil has a three-match tour of Europe coming up in November. On the other Los Cóndores are yet to secure any match at all. Brazil are 35th in the world, Chile are 28th. It is deeply concerning for the nation’s rugby team with the test team requiring a tour in November. Time has not run  out though as the likes of Portugal, Spain and Russia all have free weekends in which they could play host to Chile in November.

Leonardo Senatore
Good news for Senatore as the Rosario back-rower is free again to play. The no8 has completed his 10-week ban and is free to join Los Pumas for the Rugby Championship. In his absence Facundo Isa received increased game time and was Americas Rugby News’ choice for Jaguares Player of the season. While Senatore’s return is positive news for the player and his country it should be noted his absence was due to a suspension for foul play.

Sacramento Express
Sport is competition. There are winners and losers. In the inaugural season of PRO Rugby the wooden spoon went to Sacramento. Having started so strongly with a 37-25 win over San Francisco the Express went on to lose six games in-a-row. They finished with three wins and nine losses. All considered it was far from being a dreadful season. Italians in the Guinness Pro 12 or London Welsh in the Aviva Premiership  had far greater difficulty in being competitive.