In a significant reveal for rugby, a top player took to the field for an elite country in four World Cups and played in over 100 test matches despite not being eligible to do so. Italy fielded an ineligible player at Rugby World Cup 2003 and in three subsequent tournaments. …
Read More »North America Feels the effects of global imbalance in World Cup Qualifying
The tide has turned; North America now feels the effects of a global imbalance in World Cup qualifying. Chile and Uruguay both qualified for Rugby World Cup 2023 ahead of North American opposition. This is a fundamental change. It follows repeated cycles wherein Sudamérica Rugby requested changes in the qualifying system …
Read More »What a 24 team Rugby World Cup could look like
The Men’s Rugby World Cup may expand from 20 to 24 teams. The possibility has been raised and debated for a long time by rugby supporters. It may change for RWC 2027 in Australia, but RWC 2031 in the USA is more probable. What would a 24 team Rugby World Cup look …
Read More »Rugby Championship Preparing for Life Without South Africa
The Rugby Championship is preparing for life without South Africa. This is the reality despite today’s announcement that the Four Nations tournament has officially been signed to continue until 2025. Writing for the Daily Mail, Chris Foy says that South Africa are going to replace Italy in the Six Nations …
Read More »When will rugby get its act together to have genuine World Cup Qualifiers?
World Cups bring together leading teams for a special tournament. The best against the best is determined by earning the right to compete by eliminating others in qualifying matches. In rugby it is not exactly so. When will rugby get its act together to have genuine World Cup Qualifiers? World …
Read More »Spain set to recall Mathieu Belie 4 years after RWC qualifying disqualification
Spain are set to select Mathieu Belie, according to Revista 22. In a remarkable series of events, a player officially not eligible for Spain in 2018 now is; yet, it is through ancestry and not residency. Spain were disqualified from the RWC 2019 qualifiers for fielding ineligible players. ARN was …
Read More »Ten Polyfunctional Pumas in 2022
Individual attributes and the needs of a team can combine to see an established player moved to a different position. This happens everywhere from the amateur leagues to the test arena. If a player is ‘out of position’ at his club this may harm his chances of international honors; that …
Read More »Axel Müller and the case why he could be able play for the USA
Argentina Olympian Axel Müller has his sights set on playing for the USA. The center / wing moved from Mendoza to Arizona as a child, spending ten years in the USA. He speaks fluent English and carries as U.S. passport. World Rugby eligibility laws prevent the Argentine, a star sevens …
Read More »South American historic feats unnoticed by World Rugby
South American rugby coaches made history in 2021. First, Esteban Meneses coached Uruguay to Americas 1. The Argentine made history as a North American country was unable to qualify for a Rugby World Cup as Americas 1 for the first time. Second, Chile are closer than ever to participating in …
Read More »Los Pumas and Changes in front of our eyes: La nueva generación
Changes are under way in Los Pumas. They are taking place in front of our eyes. There is a new generation or La Nueva Generación taking shape. Quite simply, numerous names from RWC 2019 are unable to command positions as fresh faces are being selected instead. Saturday’s test match against …
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