Rugby continues to experience growth in Colombia. Members of the national governing body, the Federación Colombiana de Rugby (FCR), were present at the Sudamérica Rugby Annual General Meeting last week in Asunción, Paraguay.
FRC President Andrés Gómez and sporting director Mauricio Henao gave a presentation highlighting progress made, particularly the success of women’s rugby. The sport is now played in 27 of Colombia’s 32 departments.
Participation has continued to rise. The FRC reported that there are now 18,268 active rugby players, of which 4,525 are women.
Colombia’s women’s Rugby 7’s team played at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The team is placed as the third best from Sudamériza Rugby after Brazil and Argentina. The men’s side is lower ranked albeit impressive improvement has taken place at the senior level.
Colombia’s test side, Los Tucanes has dominated the South American B Championship ibn recent years. Comprehensive wins over Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela have placed Colombia as the undisputed 5th best team from South America. Overall Colombia is 8th in the Americas.