Nicaragua Rugby has achieved Federation status. The Federacion Nicaraguense de Rugby is now an official acknowledged governing body. The feat is a critical development in the expansion of the sport throughout Central America.
It marks an important step in Nicaragua following regional countries in obtaining World Rugby membership. Guatemala was granted Associate Member status in 2016 while Costa Rica became a full World Rugby member in 2014.
Nicaragua’s national men’s side is Los Tiburones. The Sharks completed an historical 46-36 win over Panama in 2017. Nicaragua also faced both Costa Rica and Guatemala in what was the South American C Championship. The match against Guatemala marked Nicaragua’s first ever test match.
Los Tiburones missed the 2018 South American C Championship. The competition was a Four Nations tournament. Guatemala and Panama were joined by El Salvador and Honduras. The match between El Salvador and Honduras was a thriller.
Federation status means that Nicaragua will be able to participate in international competition in the future. In should be noted that all Central American republics have previously competed in forms of the Sudamérica Rugby Championship. Mexico competes in Rugby Americas North and Belize is seeking that pathway too.