Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Home Unions of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are focused on the Six Nations. As such with the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup having completed their regular season fixtures this weekend sees no matches in the Aviva Premiership or Guinness Pro 14. There is still, nonetheless, room for the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Week 3 will take place this weekend and there is to be a healthy presence of players from the Americas.
Of the eight fixtures seven are to take place on Saturday. The one Friday fixture sees Gloucester at home against the Ospreys. The match marks the return of Mariano Galarza to the field. He has been out through injury. Jeff Hassler misses out for the Ospreys to play for Canada against Uruguay in Vancouver on Saturday.
On Saturday in the west country Bath welcome the Newcastle Falcons. The visitors from the north-east have named three Argentine players to start. Former Puma Belisario Agulla will play on the right wing while Juan Pablo Socino will do so at inside center. Uncapped Argentine forward Santiago Socino also starts, doing so at hooker. Missing is DTH van der Merwe who is in Vancouver.
The under pressure Leicester Tigers host the Cardiff Blues at Welford Road. The fixture sees the debut of former Jaguares prop Facundo Gigena. He starts at Loose Head prop, the position held at the club for so many years by Marcos Ayerza. Playing for the Cardiff Blues will be Blaine Scully. The Californian will not only start but captain the side from the right wing. Scully’s Eagles teammate, Chris Baumann has been named on the Tigers’ bench.
Having just slipped into the Final 8 of the Champions Cup, Saracens are looking to rest players. This is reflected in the line-up named to face the Dragons in London. There is room, nonetheless for Juan Figallo and Titi Lamositele. Both have been named on the bench.
Completing Week 3 of the Anglo-Welsh Cup will be the Worcester Warriors at home to the Exeter Chiefs. The all-Anglo fixture will see Andrew Durutalo involved. The USA flanker has been named on the bench for the Warriors.
