Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
With just a few awards left to wrap up, it’s time to unveil our Team of the Year. This isn’t a select XV, or Dream Team if you will, instead it’s our choice for the best team from the Americas during the 2016 calendar year. Any club or representative side is eligible, and with most international sides struggling our nominations might surprise you.
HONOURABLE MENTION
The men showed some improvement and most importantly seme grit in 2016 after a horrid 2015, but it’s the Canadian Women’s XVs who continue to fly the flag for for the Americas. After a brilliant Super Series that saw them cruise past England, hosts USA, and France in quick succession, they achieved their highest ever ranking at 2nd place. An incredibly difficult schedule saw them slip somewhat in November, but they remain in 3rd spot with the Women’s World Cup just a few months away. If they play their best, 2017 might be even better.
Colombia’s Men’s XV enjoyed a very promising year in 2016. Starting in 47th spot on the rankings, they climbed steadily to 42nd by year end on the back of a 4-1 record. Comprehensive wins over Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela were followed up by an impressive win over Mexico in Medellín. Their World Cup dreams, however lofty, have come to an end with a loss to Paraguay, but they remain a country of promise. They also saw young second row Andrés Zafra sign a contract with Lyon, the first Colombian to play top level European rugby.
One of Argentina’s oldest athletic clubs, Belgrano has been in the rugby business for more than a century. Located in central Buenos Aires, there are numerous Pumas who have emerged from within its confines. It was a special year for the team in 2016 – they claimed their 11th URBA Top 14 title, but first since 1968. With 11 wins from 13, only Hindu topped them during the regular season but it was Belgrano who would have the last word in the final. Their scrum was outstanding. Tighthead prop Benjamín Espinal won a contract with Stade Français and two forwards – loosehead Francisco Ferronato and flanker Francisco Gorrissen – earned selection to the Argentina XV for the Americas Rugby Championship.
Lifting the McCormick Cup is no mean feat. Last year was only the fourth time in their history that the Brantford Harlequins lifted Ontario’s greatest prize. Harlequins had a truly remarkable season, losing their opening two matches of the season and then going on a 16-game undefeated run to claim the spoils. Captain and fullback Rory McDonell was plucked straight from club rugby into the Canada ‘A’ side in August while hooker Eric Howard is already serving his apprenticeeship under test veteran Ray Barkwill. Winning 37-17 in the final while drinking champagne was the coup de grace.
THE WINNER
Was there ever any doubt? After winning an HSBC Sevens Series event for the first time in Clermont, Canada’s Women’s 7s side muscled through adversity to claim an historic Bronze Medal at the Olympic Games in Rio. Like their XV-a-side counterparts they are leading the way in Canadian rugby and have continuously proven themselves worthy of their million dollar reputations. With world class talent and ever-improving depth, there are even greater heights within reach of the best rugby team in the Americas.
