Up and Under

Up and Under is an Americas Rugby News exclusive. It identifies the best and the worst involving the Americas from the past seven days.

UP

Argentina Secure Silver in Dubai
Los Pumas Sevens clames Silver at Dubai over the weekend. Argentina fell 12-7 to South Africa in the Final on Sunday. It ended what was a strong tournament from a team who ought to be underlined as one to watch for at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Argentina defeated Spain, Ireland and Australia on Saturday before defeating Samoa and New Zealand to reach the final.

All Three Americas Women’s Teams Reach Final Eight
All three Americas entries in the Women’s draw at the Dubai Sevens reached the Quarter Finals. Canada earned two victories to finish second in Pool C, and one win was enough for both of Brazil and the USA to squeezed into the top 8. Hopefully, many such days will be replicated in subsequent rounds during the Women’s Sevens Series Season.

Super Rugby Americas 2024 Locked and Loaded
The Super Rugby Americas 2023 champions will open the 2024 season in Paraguay. Peñarol will play away against Yacare in Asunción on day two of the season. The opening fixture will be on Friday, February 16 with Los Dogos taking on the Raptors in an Argentine vs USA professional rugby clash. The seven franchises will have a combined number of 250 players. They will have the opportunity of competing in a High Performance environment. It is fundamental for Uruguay and Chile; indeed, their past Rugby World Cup cycle was directly linked to the move from amateurism to professionalism.

Seattle signs ex-Wallabies Center
Seattle have made a significant statement of intent with the addition of former Wallabies center Tevita Kuridrani on a two-year deal. The 32-year-old played 61 tests for Australia 2013 and 2019 including two World Cups. He had previously represented his home country of Fiji at u20 level.

Eagle Nesting in Toulouse
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.

Michael Cheika staying on as Pumas Coach Until Rugby World Cup 2027
Michael Cheika wants to remain Los Pumas Head Coach and the UAR want to him to continue. An ooficial announcement is forthcoming with former Pumas Felipe Contepomi, Andrés Bordoy, and Juan Fernández Lobbe and former New Zealand Rugby League player David Kidwell being his assistants. The new cycle is set to begin now. There will be some player changes due to retirements, long seasons and injuries. Los Pumas next play in July, 2024. Argentina will host France for two test matches and also take-on a Tier 2 side at home.

Inspiration for the Next Generation
In his first coaching experience, Juan Manuel Leguizamón will be in charge of Los Pampas in Super Rugby Americas 2024. The former Puma from Santiago del Estero replaces Rugby World Cup 2007 teammate Ignacio Fernández Lobbe for the 2024 campaign. 2011 and 2015 teammate Leonardo Senatore will coach Peñarol. Meanwhile, the recent training regime was a roaring success with the next generation of South American players and supporters engaged.

Argentines Try Scorers in Europe
The latest round of professional competitions saw more tries from Argentines in Europe. Bautista Bernasconi scored his first for Benetton who defeated the Ospreys. Fellow hooker Facundo Bosch scored for Bayonne. Winger Bautista Delguy scored after a Lionel Messi assist from Benjamín Urdapilleta as Clermont downed Racing 92. Lucas Mensa scored for Oyonnax who fell late to Bordeaux.

UNDER

Toronto Arrows forced to fold after 5 seasons in MLR
Canadian rugby took a hammer blow this past week. News of the worst kind confirmed that Canada’s one and only professional team, the Toronto Arrows, will not be continuing after five seasons of Major League Rugby. Rumors began circulating late Sunday night and by Monday evening the worst outcome had been confirmed. With the Men’s team in a downward spiral there is no guarantee of Canada successfully qualifying for the expanded 24-team World Cup.

Canadian Women Miss Out on Podium in Dubai
Yolaine Yengo scored a first-half hat-trick for France who won the Bronze Final 26-5 against Canada. The North Americans scored a late consolation try through Olivia Apps. The result marked the first time Les Bleues have beaten Canada in a Bronze Final in five attempts. Australia won the Women’s Final, doing so by ending New Zealand’s 41-match winning streak.

Mayco Vivas Helped Off
In his first start for Gloucester since the World Cup, Mayco Vivas was helped off the field early. The Argentine loose head went down hurt in a scrum. It was a double loss for the struggling Gloucester who are second from bottom. On the plus side, Santiago Carreras kicked three conversions while playing fly half. Bautista Pedemonte scored for Vannes in a defeat in the Pro D2. Uruguay’s Santiago Arata scored for Castres who downed Lyon in the Top 14.

Newcastle Falcons Humbled Yet Again
The Newcastle Falcons are 0-8 this season. Their latest performance was a 47-3 thumping. Julián Montoya captained the Tigers to what was too easy of a victory. Pumas Matías Moroni, Edurado Bello and Pedro Rubiolo all featured for the battered Falcons. Mateo Carreras did not; the Bayonne bound Newcastle player may not be alone.

Pumas See Yellow in England and France
Two Pumas forwards were yellow carded this past weekend, one each in England and France. Pedro Rubiolo was yellow carded in the Newcastle Falcons’ heavy loss against the Leicester Tigers. In France, Joaquín Oviedo was yellow carded for Perpignan who were well-beaten by European champions La Rochelle.