Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The European Challenge Cup begins on Friday. Teams from the English Premiership, the Guinness Pro 14, and the French Top 14 will all be involved. How each club approaches the competition will vary as some place greater value on their domestic league, while others will press for direct entry to the Champions Cup. In the early going, at least, most games should be very competitive.
Americas players will not be involved on opening day but will in seven games on Saturday. It’s not often that a powerhouse club like Clermont Auvergne competes in the second tier of European competition. They will be one of the favorites to win, starting their tournament against Northampton Saints. Patricio Fernández has been handed the No10 shirt.
Mariano Galarza will make his Bordeaux debut against Connacht in Galway. The Argentine second row is hoping the move will help him regain a Pumas spot for the World Cup. One who is also in the shop window is Agen hooker Facundo Bosch who will be on the bench against Harlequins at The Stoop.
Zebre start with Eduardo Bello at tighthead prop against Bristol. Ramiro Herrera assumes the same position for Stade Français, who welcome Joe Taufete’e and the Worcester Warriors to Paris. The Eagles hooker will act as an impact sub.
A couple young prospects will be among the replacements at Liberty Stadium. Guido Volpi is set to make his Europe debut for Ospreys while Canadian prop Matt Tierney is named on Pau’s bench. Italo-Canadian Robert Barbieri leads out Benetton Treviso against Grenoble. Juan Ignacio Brex will start at outside center for the Italian side.
