Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Player recruitment and re-signings continue. Recent instances in France have seen test players from both North America and South America securing their futures in the Top 14. There are also ongoing negotiations that may see future transfers finalists in the coming weeks.
David Ainu’u is going nowhere. 24-year-old USA Eagles prop has signed a new contract with powerhouses Toulouse. Ainu’u signed to stay on a Toulouse until 2027. This is nothing short of a dream for Ainu’u and for the Eagles. More Eagles playing in such a league will mean a higher level to bring to the test team. Ainu’u has 22 caps for the USA Eagles.
Argentine veteran Jerónimo de la Fuente has also agreed to terms with his club. The Rosario center signed to play for two more years with Perpignan. This means that de la Fuente will be playing for Perpignan until June 2026. He arrived at the club from Los Jaguares in Super Rugby in 2020.The 32-year-old played at Rugby World Cup 2023 including in the Bronze Final and he was captain against Chile. He has 78 caps for Los Pumas.
de la Fuente is teammates with Joaquín Oviedo. The back-rower is under contract with Perpignan until the end of the current season. Ongoing negotiations see that Montpellier are looking to recruit the Córdoba player beginning next season. Oviedo joined de la Fuente in playing for Argentina against Chile at the World Cup. The 22-year-old has a massive future ahead of him.
Pumas Second-rower Tomás Lavanini is also on the transfers market. Bayonne are interested in signing the Buenos Aires giant from his present club of Clermont. Lavanini joined de la Fuente in the past three Rugby World Cups. The 30-year-old has his sights set on 100 caps. He presently has 86 caps for Los Pumas.
