Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Juan Manuel Rodríguez is departing Uruguay. He is leaving to continue his career at Valpolicella, an Italian Serie A side. The move sees him leaving Uruguay’s first professional rugby team, Peñarol.
Rodríguez will have his first professional club experience abroad at the age of 23. Despite his young age he has already left his mark in Uruguayan rugby. He is a national champion, having won the Uruguayo de Clubes.
Rodríguez is from the north-western Uruguayan city of Salto. He went through the domestic development system, rising to complete representative honors. His rise saw him playing for PGC Trébol Rugby in Paysandú, 120km to the south of Salto.
In addition to Rodríguez, Peñarol officially had three other specialist second-rowers this year. They were Juanjuan Garese, South African Louis Conradie, and Colombian Danny Giraldo. N8 Alejandro Nieto was also used in the position.
Rodríguez will not be the first Uruguayan to play for Valpolicella. Prior players include former test fullback Jerónimo Etcheverry; center Alberto Román; and current test and Toronto Arrows fullback Gastón Mieres.
Also competing in Italy this season is Franco Lamanna. He will be playing in the elite Italian division, the Top 12 for Mogliano.
