South Africa’s four existing Super Rugby franchises will leave the competition. SA Rugby confirmed that the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers will transition to an expanded Pro 14. The four Super Rugby teams will take part while the Cheetahs and Southern Kings exit the league. SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux noted …
Read More »Súper Liga Americana Expansion
The COVID-19 pandemic ended the inaugural Súper Liga Americana (SLAR) season early. What had been scheduled to be a ten week regular season was ended before competing week two. Only one team was able to play two league matches. The suspended season was a five team league. It had teams …
Read More »Who will be Argentina’s 46 players for the Rugby Championship?
Two events this week shaped Argentina’s Rugby Championship roster. First, Mario Ledesma said he will take 46 players to Australia. Second, a 30-man roster was named for the South American Four Nations. Who then will be on the plane to Australia? Before identifying probable players who will play there are names …
Read More »Ledesma and Pumas need a warm-up match vs Uruguay
Mario Ledesma and Los Pumas need a warm-up match vs Uruguay. This is obviously an opinion; it is one based on three differing factors: (a) game-time; (b) a cost-effective location; and (c) appropriate facilities. The suggestion is for Argentina to play away to Uruguay in Montevideo prior to flying to …
Read More »Solutions needed as Jaguares are out of Super Rugby
COVID-19 has damaged professional sport greatly; in some cases beyond repair. For Argentine rugby it is both the present and the future that are clouded. For 2020 Los Jaguares are out of Super Rugby. However, this is just the short story. Reports from numerous outlets in Argentina explain the real story: …
Read More »Ledesma and Los Pumas: Project 2023
Officially there are 59 players who have been identified for RWC 2023. They are the players recently selected by Mario Ledesma. His roster contained a mix of players based at home and abroad. There were fourteen players who play in Europe. Ledesma included four or more players across all positions. …
Read More »Ten Desired Test Rugby Tours: South America
International competition is healthy within the Americas. The Americas Rugby Championship and Americas Rugby Challenge have enhanced test rugby within the region. The upcoming introduction of promotion and relegation will only advance rugby in the region further. A vital part of the international calendar are the incoming and outgoing tours, …
Read More »How Rugby Can Boom its Markets Outside of RWCs
RWC 2019 saw full stadiums. The tournament is estimated to have had a total revenue of US$6.44 billion. However, at the same time, the costs of preparing for the tournament also bankrupted USA Rugby. Rugby needs increased financial power, something that Pichot has made no secret during his campaigning. The …
Read More »Plotting a British and Irish Lions Tour of the Americas
The campaigning process for World Rugby elections has seen candidate Agustín Pichot plotting a British and Irish Lions of the Americas. The British and Irish Lions are the combined test sides of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Every four years, in between RWCs, the British and Irish Lions embark on a …
Read More »Why Argentina will not bid for RWC 2027
Argentina will not bid to host RWC 2027. During his campaigning for the World Rugby Chairman position Agustín Pichot told The Daily Telegraph of the decision. The Former Pumas captain provided reasons as to why Argentina would not bid for RWC 2027. They are logical, albeit there are more factors at play. …
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