Four Argentines drafted by Brazilian SLAR franchise

Four Argentine players have been drafted by the Brazilian Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) franchise. Brazil will have one team in this year’s SLAR competition. This matches that of 2000, however the team was unable to play a league match due to the early suspension of the season.

None of the four drafted players are from Buenos Aires clubs. Instead, they represent clubs for the unions of Córdoba, Rosario, and Santa Fé. They players are Manuel Bernstein, Santiago Grippo, Franco Giudice, and Marcos de Sanctis.

Of the four the leading name is Bernstein. The 20-year-old played for Los Pumitas in the 2019 Junior World Championship. He was a part of the team which finished fourth in the tournament.

Grippo has been recruited as a hooker. His usual position is flanker, though the Brazilian team is specifically looking at his services in the front-row. Marcos de Sanctis also joins as a utility. His usual position is fly half, though it is at fullback where he is likely to feature. Franco Giudice is also a pivot.

Colombia’s Los Cafeteros Pro and Paraguay’s Olímpia Lions have drafted many more players from Argentina. Brazil’s low number follows reluctance from the CBRu to have Argentine players on the roster.

What remains unconfirmed it the team name. Will it be Corinthians? ARN has learned that the famous São Paulo soccer club is unwilling to contribute financially to the team.

2020 SLAR DRAFT – BRAZIL