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The Tucumán Rugby Union (URT) has released a statement declaring their interest in becoming one of two Argentine franchises in the new South American professional competition set to launch in 2020. To date they are the only Argentine provincial union to make a formal public announcement though Córdoba have also reportedly had private discussions with the UAR.
Tucumán are one of the traditional powerhouses of Argentine rugby. They have won the Campeonato Argentino 11 times since 1985, with only Buenos Aires claiming more. The Campeonato was not played in 2018, the provincial competition suspended to focus more on the national club competition.
The Liga Americana de Rugby (LAR) will be comprised of eight teams – two each from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, with one each from Chile and Paraguay. Top soccer clubs Nacional and Peñarol are touted as likely sponsors in Uruguay.
While plans remain on track for a launch as early as January of next year, the formal application process for franchises has not yet begun. The LAR has advertised for a full-time administrative position to aid the CEO, with the league headquarters to be based in São Paulo.
World Rugby entered an agreement with the North American competition – Major League Rugby – this season to assist with the placement of 12 South American players. The ten from Uruguay and one each from Chile and Brazil could return south next year should the LAR begin as planned.
The original URT release in Spanish can be seen below.
