Cipolletti Shines as Host of ARC Match

International rugby hit Patagonia this month with the Argentina XV playing at home against the USA. The occasion was highly memorable for the home players who recorded their first win over the Eagles in ARC history. For the locals the match was truly ground-breaking.

With Argentina being the 8th largest country in the world it is not easy for everyone to attend games. Patagonia also happens to be sparsely populated and is far from the major cities of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, La Plata, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan, Santa Fé, and Tucumán.

Cipolletti is located in Río Negro province and has a population of 75,000. While Invercargill, New Zealand has fewer and hosted RWC 1987 and 2011 matches the Patagonian city is small by Argentine standards.

With the opportunity to host an ARC match this month Cipolletti shined, underlining the magic of taking big games of rugby to new territories. It also saw the spotlight fall on the humble Marabunta Rugby Club, the host venue for the fixture.

For a complete match report click here.