Sudamérica Rugby and the Olympic Committee Aid Growth in Bolivia

The South American regional governing body, Sudamérica Rugby and the Olympic Committee are aiding the growth of rugby in Bolivia.

With a population of 10.5 million the land-locked South American country of Bolivia has twelve rugby clubs. These clubs are located in the cities of Cochabamba, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Yacuiba, Oruro, Villa Montes, Tarija and the nation’s capital, La Paz.

The Juegos Sudamericanos (South American Games) are to be played in Cochabamba in 2018 and the objective is for the host country to be able to have a competitive team ready to compete. The Comité Olímpico Boliviano (Bolivian Olympic Committee) has identified as one of the three sports that it is to aid, which Sudamérica Rugby is extremely pleased about.

Sudamérica Rugby reports that in order for rugby to grow more qualified rugby referees and coaches are needed to increase the awareness of the game.

Sudamérica Rugby authorities have been in the country providing assistance. Development Manager Francisco Rubio, Get Into Rugby Manager Guillermo Signorelli and the experienced development official Luis Colignón spent five days visiting Cochabamba and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

“We met with the representatives from the country’s cities and clubs, giving them coaching and referee courses, pointing out aspects of the game from strengthening to technical and supporting the conditions of rugby in Bolivia,” said Rubio.

Mario Quinteros, Technical Manager of the Comité Olímpico Boliviano (COB) stated: “under the development plan of the COB we want to establish a new structure for three sports, one of which is rugby; this is done with the support of the Solidaridad Olímpica (Olympic Solidarity), am arm of the Comité Olímpico.”

“Together with Sudamérica Rugby we are establishing a development plan for the 2018 South American Games in Cochabamba.”