Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Eyeing Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, Brazil has brought in two Argentine assistant coaches. Former Puma Maximilano Bustos and High Performance Coach Joaquín Luchetti join the staff led by former Tero Emiliano Caffera. The trio will be in charge of the Brazilian Men’s test team, Os Tupis, and also Os Cobras in Super Rugby Americas 2025.
Bustos played for Argentina at Rugby World Cup 2011. He had a professional career as a tight head prop in Europe from 2008-2015. He played for Capitolina and L’Aquila in Italy and for Montpellier in France. He also played for Pampas in South Africa’s Vodacom Cup. 2025 will be Bustos’ third year working with Brazil Rugby.
Luchetti arrived in Brazil in 2024. While Bustos will coach the pack, Luchetti will be the attack coach. Luchetti brings with him experience in charge of the União Argentina de Rugby (UAR) academy in Buenos Aires. He also worked as Performance Analyst of Los Pumas.
Brazil’s 2025 season has heavy focus on the Rugby World Cup. The Brazilians and Paraguay join Rugby World Cup 2023 participants Chile and Uruguay in the South American finals. The winner of the four will qualify for Australia 2027 as South America 1. Two others will remain in contention for places at the 2027 Men’s World Cup.
The task facing Brazil is complicated but easier compared to prior campaigns. Brazil will face Chile with the winner taking-on the winner of Uruguay vs Paraguay. The loser of the final will face the Pacific Nations Cup’s wooden spooner for a place in the World Cup. The third placed South American competitor will enter global repechage.
The global repechage tournament will be for the 24th, and final, place. The tournament will be a round-robin tournament involving four teams. The top placed side on competition points will qualify for Australia 2027. The four participants will be the winner of the Africa 2 vs Asia 2 play-off, the loser of the South America 2 vs Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) 6 play-off, Europe 5, and Sudamerica Rugby 3.
Os Cobras will open their Super Rugby Americas 2025 season on February 15 in Argentina. The Brazilian entrant will take-on rookie team Los Tarucas in their debut. Los Tarucas have confirmed their roster for the season while Os Cobras are yet to do so. For the time being five players, all foreigners, have been confirmed for Os Cobras in 2025.
