Paraguay Joins Annual July Internationals

Rugby continues to grow in South America. The latest case in point is the scheduling of the annual mid-year internationals. Paraguay will be a part of the 2024 July Internationals. Los Yacarés will play at home against two touring test teams from other continents for the first time.

Paraguay will play host to both touring teams in Asunción. The matches will be played at the national rugby headquarters, the Estadio Héroes de Curupayty. The venue is the regular home for Paraguay in South American fixtures. It is also where Yacare play home matches in Super Rugby Americas.

Paraguay is ranked 5th in South America. The country has genuine potential as evidenced by the 2022 defeat against Brazil. Os Tupis won 31-28 in the South American Championship. Brazil improved to win the two matches since then by comfortable margins; notwithstanding, when Paraguay get it right they can compete.

A second example came in 2023. Paraguay upset the Chile XV in an uncapped match. Paraguay won the contest 29-27 in Asunción.

Paraguay will open their two-match home series in July against Hong Kong. The no 2 ranked Asian side will play at the Estadio Héroes de Curupayty on July 13. Belgium will do so seven days later. Both matches are historic; never before has Paraguay faced either.

Both Belgium and Hong Kong are aspiring teams. They are plausible debutants at the expanded Rugby World Cup. ARN understands that Asia is set to gain a spot. The shakeup will directly benefit Hong Kong. Europe is to gain two spots. Paraguay and Brazil are the potential World Cup newcomers from the Americas. Brazil has set the target for 2027.

Brazil has been facing teams in intercontinental test matches for a considerable period of time. The same is not true for Paraguay. Los Yacarés’ International competition has been limited. Paraguay has previously faced Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

2024 JULY INTERNATIONALS – PARAGUAY

Sat, July 13  Paraguay vs Hong Kong (Asunción, PY)

 Sat, July 20Paraguay vs Belgium (Asunción, PY)