Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Champions Cup is the big show, the pinnacle of European club rugby. Most professional coaches will concede that it is the closest comparison to test rugby due to its intensity and unparalleled atmosphere. The tribal nature of the traveling fans elevates the top matches to almost mythical proportions.
Friday’s curtain-raiser between Wasps and defending champions Leinster did not feature any Americas players. Five games this weekend will, two on saturday and three on Sunday. Players from Argentina, Canada, and the USA will take part in the opening round.
The starting wingers for Los Pumas in the World Cup will each play on Saturday. Santiago Cordero starts for Exeter Chiefs in their home opener against Munster. Over in Llanelli will be Juan Imhoff, who runs out for Racing 92 against Scarlets.
A Canadian winger features for Castres. The Top 14 champions will have Taylor Paris in the lineup to face Gloucester on Sunday. He won’t be the only No11 set to play in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. DTH van der Merwe starts for Glasgow Warriors with Greg Peterson on the bench against Saracens. Titi Lamositele will be a reserve for the Premiership champs.
Lyon will dress two Argentine internationals against Cardiff Blues. Francisco Gómez Kodela starts at tighthead prop with second row Manuel Carizza among the reserves. Waiting his turn from the bench for the Blues is Samu Manoa. The Eagles powerhouse will be making his much-anticipated club debut.
