South American A Championship To Expand in 2018

The South American A Championship is to Expand in 2018. The reformed competition will be an increase to a South American Six Nations Championship. Newcomers Colombia are to participate for the first time.

Sources from Colombia have confirmed with Americas Rugby News that Los Tucanes earned the right to compete at the top level in South America. Sudamérica Rugby made the decision at a meeting in Colombia this week.

The decision came based on Colombia’s impressive results in the South American B Championship. Having won three straight titles Colombia has been deemed ready to make the step up to the elite level in South America.

This means that Colombia’s upcoming involvement in the South American B Championship will be the end of an era. Colombia will play at home to Venezuela and away to Peru in this year’s competition. In 2018 both Peru and Venezuela are expected to take part in a reformed South American B Championship, potentially with the return of Ecuador in addition to the 2017 South American C champion.

The inclusion of Colombia in the new South American Six Nations tournament will be alongside Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and the Argentina XV. The competition will take place in the month of May.

Without question this is a tremendous breakthrough for Colombian rugby. It is also a clear pathway for others to follow within the region. For those already involved in the South American A Championship it is also welcome news. It offers valuable additional match time and is a solid building block for the future.