This coming weekend will see the fourth edition of the Americas Rugby Championship getting underway. The Argentina XV will have home advantage against Brazil with Lucas Favre and Javier Corvalan being the likely starting props.
Missing will be Franco Brarda. The Córdoba front-rower was a regular in the first three ARC tournaments and his name was frequently in the Argentina XV roster across all tournaments in 2016-2018.
For the 2019 ARC, however, his name is missing. This is due to Franco Brarda having left the Argentina XV to play in Italy. The 25-year-old has begun his professional career abroad playing for Calvisano. His move sees his leaving Tala club.
The 1,83 meter tall and 110kg prop has made 21 appearances for the Argentina XV. This means his eligibility is captured by Argentina. Yet in moving abroad his prospects of a senior call-up are low. Priority is given to those based at home but a place in Los Jaguares is highly challenging.
Ultimately, like others, for Brarda to receive notable game time he needed to look abroad. He is to now have a great opportunity to develop and may yet have an opportunity down the line for further representation honors.