Up and Under is a weekly exclusive on Americas Rugby News. It reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week.   UP USA Men’s Eagles Sevens Fiji were crowned champions in Sydney but it was a much-improved showing from the Eagles, who would …

Ben Pinkelman has come away from the Sydney Sevens with a prestigious double. The USA’s stand-in captain was awarded the DHL Impact Player of the tournament while also earning a spot in the official HSBC Men’s Dream Team after leading his side to the Semi Finals. With regular skipper Madison …

For a second straight tournament Canada’s Women’s team has had two players nominated for the official HSBC Dream Team. Sydney’s selects are different to that of Hamilton. After seeing Britt Benn and Kayla Moleschi honored last weekend, Karen Paquin and Kaili Lukan make the latest selection. Veteran forward Paquin earns …

A strong second half performance gave Los Jaguares a perfect start to the 2020 Super Rugby season. A number of players impressed including the three M’s: Miotti, Mallía and Moroni. The former directed play well, and was accurate in kicking from hand and at goal; Mallía broke the line, providing …

Fiji held on to beat South Africa in a tense men’s final at the Sydney Sevens on Sunday. The Blitzboks had earlier defeated the USA in the Semi Finals, with the Eagles closing out their tournament with a Bronze Final victory. Argentina finished in 8th spot with Canada in 10th. …

New Zealand claimed their fourth consecutive Women’s Cup victory on Sunday to take a commanding lead in the World Sevens Series standings. As in Hamilton, it was Canada who they defeated in the Final. The USA slumped to an 8th-place finish, with Brazil in 12th spot once again. Canada defeated …

Los Jaguares started 2020 with a bonus point win over the Lions. The 38-8 victory included a double to Matías Moroni and additional tries to Domingo Miotti, Javier Ortega Desio, and Agustín Creevy. After a competitive opening half, Los Jaguares dominated the second half to complete a comfortable victory. The …

International competition kicked-off today in Europe for 2020. While most eyes were on the Six Nations matches, there were also round one fixtures in the Rugby Europe Championship. Two of the five matches played today were Six Nations fixtures. Wales defeated Italy 42-0 in Cardiff, while Ireland were 19-12 winners over …

The NOLA Gold have confirmed the departure of star outside back Tristan Blewett ahead of the 2020 Major League Rugby season. While he remains contracted to the Gold, the 23-year-old has opted to return to his native South Africa to complete his university studies. One of the league’s top try …

Two wins from two on Day One have the Men’s Eagles on track for the Semi Finals at the Sydney Sevens. It was mixed emotions for other two Americas sides, with both Argentina and Canada coming through with one win and one loss. Ben Pinkelman and Stephen Tomasin each scored …

Canada are in pole position in Women’s Pool B at the end of the first day of the Sydney Sevens. The USA remain in contention for a Semi Final spot despite losing their opening match, while Brazil were defeated in both of their matches against their North American opponents. A …

Major League Rugby has confirmed a senior panel of nine referees for the 2020 season. Included in the group are five of the 11 referees from 2019, one returnee from the inaugural 2018 season, and three newcomers to the panel. Scott Green is the most experienced man on the panel …

Austin celebrated their new life as the Gilgronis on Friday evening in winning fashion. The newly-renamed franchise closed out the books on the Major League Rugby preseason with a 69-0 result over the Austin Blacks. It was a debut double as the MLR side played at Bold Stadium for the …

Chile Rugby’s entry into the new Súper Liga Americana de Rugby has been secretly training for two weeks, according to a social media post by the national union. In what is an increasingly bizarre episode, Selknam’s roster continues to be held from public viewing. External media sources have already confirmed …

Two North American internationals went head-to-head in the first match of the 2020 Super Rugby season earlier today. Tony Lamborn’s Blues were at home in Auckland but it was the visiting Chiefs, featuring Tyler Ardron, who took the spoils in an exciting derby between the two North Island sides. Lamborn …

The second stop of the Oceania leg on the World Sevens Series takes place in Sydney this weekend. As with Hamilton, both men and women will take part in a condensed two-day format. The tournament takes place at Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta beginning Friday evening on the Americas. Live broadcasts …

It is still January, yet the Super Rugby season is here. In the opening round of the season Los Jaguares take on the Lions at Velez Sarsfield. In 2019 the teams finished second and ninth respectively. Gonzalo Quesada has made an immediate change with Mayco Vivas, and Julián Montoya preferred to …

Argentine eightman Guido Volpi has joined Doncaster Knights of the RFU Championship. While the move is technically a loan from Ospreys, it’s expected that the 24-year-old will see out the rest of the season in England. His Guinness Pro 14 contract expires in June. An international at u18 level, Volpi …

Rugby Americas has confirmed the dates and matches for the inaugural u20 Americas Rugby Championship. As previously reported the tournament will be hosted at the Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo however the dates and pools have been revised. Matches will be played on three days – June 10, 14, and 18 …

Los Jaguares have released Juan Pablo Zeiss to Los Ceibos. The 30-year-old loose head began training today with the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) side under the watch of Head Coach, Ignacio Fernández Lobbe. A natural loose head prop, Zeiss faces a challenge to gaining time on the park …