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Two North American teams are set to be added to the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) for the 2023 season. Contested entirely by South American teams to date, multiple sources now indicate that the competition is expanding its borders.
In June two SLAR teams – the Jaguares XV from Argentina and Uruguay’s Peñarol – traveled to Colorado to play friendly matches against the American Raptors and UBC Old Boy Ravens. While the Raptors have been targeted as the USA’s entry, ARN understands that the Pacific Pride are set to represent Canada.
The Raptors operate out of Infinity Park in Glendale and formerly competed under the Glendale and Colorado banners in Major League Rugby. They are now a development side with a mix of rugby players and crossover athletes and are coached by former USA international Paul Emerick.
Whereas the American side is not directly affiliated with USA Rugby, the Pride are Rugby Canada’s centralized development program based at Langford’s Starlight Stadium. Former Canada captain Phil Mack is their Head Coach and they currently compete in the BC Premier League.
Further changes will see the Colombian side, Cafeteros Pro, disbanded and a second Argentine team entered. A decision on whether the team will be based in Córdoba or Tucumán has yet to be made. According to Argentine journalist Leandro Olearo, the UAR will hear proposals and vote on October 12. The Jaguares XV are based in Buenos Aires.
ARN has also learned that discussions have taken place with Georgian side Black Lion, who currently play in the Rugby Europe Super Cup. It’s not clear if the invitation is for full inclusion or the arrangement of an exhibition series.
Wenceslao Tejerina, High Performance Manager of Chile Rugby, recently discussed the changes on the radio show “Al Aire Libre“. He says the competition will be re-branded as ‘Super Rugby Americas’ to accommodate the expansion to North America.
How the significant logistical challenges of the undertaking will be accommodated remain to be seen. Sources have indicated to ARN that World Rugby have offered financial support to Rugby Canada to help cover the costs.
Sudamérica Rugby, which overseas SLAR, has not confirmed the changes but admitted that they are “in full negotiations with national unions from North and Central America.” The organization says that a full media announcement is being planned for October 27.
Debido al éxito obtenido en la Superliga Americana de Rugby en las dos temporadas completas de 2021 y 2022, desde Sudamérica Rugby, organizadores de SLAR, estamos en plenas tratativas con uniones nacionales de Norte y Centroamérica (+)
— Sudamérica Rugby (@sudamericarugby) October 3, 2022
While the addition of the Raptors and Pride will cause some confusion for North American fans, it’s unlikely they will otherwise have an immediate affect on the region’s established professional competition – Major League Rugby. SLAR is operated in conjunction with national unions as a development competition while MLR is a commercial entity.
