Argentina and Colombia in Strategic Alliance

The South American Republics of Argentina and Colombia share increasingly tight international relations. This is true both in trade and in sporting terms with rugby having gained importance in the bilateral dialogue between the two countries.

During his visit this past week to Colombia, Argentine President Mauricio Macri signed agreements which will allow for the countries to secure cooperation in areas related to rural development, river transport and the social inclusion of rugby.

Through the declaration of intent between the Colombian Minister of Foreign Relations, signed by Chancellor Maria Ángela Holguín and the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs both countries are to work to reinforce the bilateral project of the social inclusion of rugby.

The agreement is seeking to grow youth rugby and expand the sport into more towns. Argentina coaches are to take on an increased responsibility of acting as mentors in an expanding rugby-friendly environment.

The Argentine coaches are to work at all levels from towns to provincial and national, thereby lifting the level of play across all sectors of society. The work is to be done together with the national governing body – Federación colombiana de rugby (FECO rugby) who are focused on lifting Colombian men’s and women’s teams to compete in future Rugby World Cups.

So far more than forty children from Buenaventura, Cúcuta, Apartadó and Tierralta have participated in the exchange program with Argentina rugby. Also exposed to the program have been eight Colombian coaches.

Source: Cancillería, Colombia