Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
It is crunch time in the European club season. This weekend sees all four Quarter Finals taking place in the Challenge Cup. With there being players from the Americas involved the following preview details what to look forward to.
On Friday the Newcastle Falcons play host to Brive in Northern England. The Aviva Premiership vs Top 14 clash has a team doing well in England against a team facing relegation in France. Representing the Americas will be Santiago Socino. The uncapped Argentine will play as Newcastle’s replacement hooker.
The second Quarter Final is an all-French affair. Pau have home advantage against Stade Français. The season of the Parisians has not been a good one with them in grave danger of not being in the Top 14 next season. Their team is, nonetheless, strong. Starting at Tight Head will be Puma Ramiro Herrera. The Trinidad & Tobago born Steffon Armitage starts at no 8 for Pau.
On Saturday both matches are to be played within the territories of the Guinness Pro 14 Championship. In the third Quarter Final Connacht have home advantage against Gloucester. Not involved is RWC 2011 and 2015 Puma Mariano Galarza.
A player who played in both tournaments for the USA will start for the Cardiff Blues. He is none other than the current Eagles captain Blaine Scully. The Californian will play on the right wing away against Edinburgh.
