World Rugby has been forced to backtrack on their Rugby World Cup Qualifying process just a day after confirming the path to France 2023. Originally set to be determined in the Americas Rugby Championship, the Americas path is now in disarray with North and South America on course to split …
Read More »Qualification model confirmed for Rugby World Cup 2023
World Rugby has confirmed the qualification model for Rugby World Cup 2023. The France-hosted tournament will be a 20-team competition, operating on the same model as that of Japan 2019. As was the case in RWC 2019, RWC 2023 has eight qualifying slots. The eight successful teams will join the …
Read More »Castres confirm two-year deal with Ardron
Castres Olympique have publicly confirmed the signing of Tyler Ardron from the Chiefs. Canada’s Rugby World Cup 2019 captain will depart New Zealand at the completion of Super Rugby Aotearoa to join the French Top 14 club on a two-year contract. Ardron is now in his third season at the …
Read More »Pumas RWC center Lucas Mensa signs for Valence Romans
Argentine mid-fielder Lucas Mensa will continue his career in France. The RWC 2019 center has signed for Valence Romans Drôme Rugby (VRDR) to play in the French second division, the Pro D2. Valence Romans made the official announcement earlier today. It came following speculation that the 24-year-old was departing Argentina …
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 »Ruben de Haas extends Cheetahs contract
US Eagles scrumhalf Ruben de Haas will stay with the Free State Cheetahs for another year. The 21-year-old has signed a contract extension that will keep him in Bloemfontein through to October 2021. Originally from George, South Africa, de Haas moved to Arkansas at the age of 10 and represented …
Read More »Rodrigo Capó Ortega confirms retirement
Rodrigo Capó Ortega has officially retired from rugby. The legendary Uruguayan international was to play out the current season with Castres Olympique, but with the remainder of the Top 14 schedule cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic it means the 39-year-old’s career has come to an end. Hailing from Montevideo, Capó Ortega …
Read More »Missing Players from 2020 Pumas
There were 14 European-based players named on Mario Ledesma’s 59-man training roster. The number is far greater than that which he took to Japan to compete at RWC 2019. The overall number, rather than the percentage, is what is notable. Despite the return to inclusion, Argentina’s roster still has names …
Read More »Ledesma moves beyond RWC 2019 with notable new blood on roster
Mario Ledesma has moved beyond RWC 2019. His team fell short in Japan, being eliminated in the group stage with wins over Tonga and the USA but losses against France and England. Covid-19 means that the new era on the field will be delayed. Off the field the coaching regime …
Read More »Taylor Paris enters free agency after leaving Castres
Taylor Paris is officially a free agent after Castres Olympique opted not to re-sign the Canadian winger. Despite being a regular starter in his three seasons with the club, the pandemic has forced the 2018 Top 14 champions to make significant cuts to their payroll heading into the 2020-21 season. …
Read More »