Up and Under

Up and Under is a weekly exclusive on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week.

UP

Chile and Uruguay host Sevens Challenge Series
Chile, and Uruguay are to host the new World Rugby Sevens Challenge Series. The competition will begin in February 2020 and see South American hosting legs in Viña del Mar and Montevideo in February 2020. Competing will be Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Portugal, Tonga, Uganda, Uruguay and Zimbabwe.

Old Glory DC
The world stood up and took notice of Old Glory BC this past week. The new MLR club completed the coup signing of RWC 2019 champion, Tendai Mtawarira. The Beast played in RWCs 2011, 2015, and 2019. He has six wins against New Zealand, and a series victory over the British & Irish Lions. His 117 Springbok caps are third-most in history and he is the all-time record holder for Super Rugby appearances by a South African player at 159, all with the Sharks.

Los Ceibos
Rugby supporters in and around Córdoba should have big smiles on their faces. This is because the 23 players signed to play SLAR for Los Ceibos happen to be a very good looking playing roster. All of the players are from Argentina and many are expected to be Pumas during the RWC 2019-2023 cycle. All going well and the team could turn out to be the basis for a second Super Rugby franchise down the line.

Olímpia Lions
Paramount to the success of the Olímpia Lions is getting the combination right. That combination is Paraguayan players and imports. There are not enough from Paraguay to have a competitive team and so the names confirmed from Argentina added to Spain’s Facundo Munilla and the locals see the right fit for the team.

Roman Salanoa
Former USA junior Roman Salanoa made his Pro 14 debut this past Friday. He is now to be hot on the radar of Eagles supporters and staff alike as a prospect for the RWC 2019-2023 cycle. Aged 22, the Hawaiian has a massive future ahead of him and for USA Rugby, this includes ensuring that he is not captured by Ireland.

Facundo Gigena
Argentina’s shortage of loose head props during the RWC 2015-2019 cycle was well documented here on ARN. Marcos Ayerza’s retirement left a massive hole and with Los Jaguares’ players being the exclusive Pumas funder Daniel Hourcade the resources were limited as those abroad were not picked and those lacking game time at Jaguares left for abroad. One man who left uncapped is Facundo Gigena. He was not considered for RWC 2019 though was better in the 2018-2019 English Premiership than players who were picked. This past Saturday he faced and outplayed RWC 2019 Puma, Enrique Pieretto in the scrum.

Benjamín Urdapilleta and Taylor Paris
A player who did go to the RWC is Benjamín Urdapilleta. He was one who missed out on selection for a lengthily period, including when he took Castres to the Top 14 title. On Saturday Urdapilleta directed play in a match winning performance, scoring 12 points. Canadian Taylor Paris also played well, having a try assist in the match.

Josh Thiel
The versatile Canadian back has signed his first professional contract, joining the San Diego Legion for the 2020 MLR season. He will have the opportunity to play alongside stars like Joe Pietersen, Mike Te’o, and of course Ma’a Nonu. With Thiel joining the likes of George Barton, Guiseppe du Toit, and Ben LeSage in the professional ranks, Canada suddenly has heaps of relatively untapped potential to work with.

Phil Mack, Hubert Buydens
Also gaining a boost are Canadian coaching prospects Phil Mack and Hubert Buydens. Mack will take up a full-time assistant role with the Seawolves while Buydens works with the forwards in the revamped Trinity Western program. While neither have as of yet declared their retirement as players, it would be a surprise to see them represent Canada on the field again. As coaches, however, they both have great potential and the country can only benefit with individuals of their class giving back to the sport.

UNDER

Corinthians Rugby
Brazil’s team in SLAR will be Corinthians. The team identity not sitting well with Brazilians due to it being one of São Paulo’s giant soccer club. This means that is loved by a support base but hated by supporters of other clubs. An additional issue for the time being is who are the players? No names are known thus far though Arthur Bergo and Josh Reeves are certainties to join from MLR.

Nicolás Sánchez
Out of favor at Stade Français is the Pumas fly half. Sánchez was on the bench against Pau on Sunday and he received just nine minutes of game time. Pablo Matera started and contributed to a try. Sánchez needs to find his form to return to the classy player from prior seasons.

Leicester Tigers
Despite having seven English test players in the starting line-up and additional test names from other countries, the Leicester Tigers were again defeated this weekend. Humbled by the Exeter Chiefs,the Leicester Tigers continue to be facing the real threat of relegation. Argentine players Tomás Lavanini, and Facundo Gigena both played well against Exeter.

Ibrahim Diarra
Tragedy struck rugby this past week with the sudden death of Ibrahim Diarra. The former Castres’ flanker died at the age of 36 following a heart attack. The loss of Diarra was felt far and wide. A Top 14 champion in 2014, he played in the side captained by Uruguay’s Rodrigo Capó Ortega and was also a teammate of Benjamín Urdapilleta.

USA Sevens Cape Town Flights
It’s not clear how it happened, but the return flights from the Cape Town Sevens invited more controversy for USA Rugby. While the Men’s Eagles flew in the comfort of upgraded seats, the Women’s Eagles were stuck in economy. Whether intentional or not the perception is obviously one of gender inequality and is something that must not be allowed to continue. An official statement from USA Rugby indicated that they are investigating the circumstances. It’s yet another incident that leaves the American rugby populace with a bad taste in their mouth.