Who will play for Los Pumas in June?

The complications that Rugby World Cup years bring to professional competitions are well known. In the case of Europe, where most of Argentina´s test players play, there will be some problems for coach Santiago Phelan in June 2012 just like there were in June 2008. In 2008 Argentina faced Scotland twice and Italy once in home matches but Phelan was unable to play anything near the strongest lineup due to the late start to the Top 14 Orange which finished very late due to the World Cup having been in France in 2007 and the entire competition being delayed to start only after the completion of France 2007.

Figuerola to replace Vergallo?

A similar scenario looms for June 2012, but to a lesser extent. The Top 14 Orange Final is scheduled to be played on June 09th, on the same day as Argentina´s home match vs Italy. This means that players in the French final will miss the match. Should the current two top sides, Toulouse and Clermont,  qualify for the final it would mean Patricio Albacete and Nicolás Vergallo would both miss the match vs Italy. Should, however a side with more players like Montpellier, Racing Métro or Stade Français qualify it could mean many more would be unavaliable. But, the unavaliability of players for the final is not the only factor to consider. Another is that not only will the semi finals of the Top 14 Orange be played on May 26 but so will the finals of the Aviva Premiership and the Rabo Direct Pro 12. In other words, players involved in the English and Celtic-Italian finals will likely be in Argentina, at the earliest on Tuesday, four days before Argentina face Italy.

It is therefore problematic but nothing that Phelan has not seen before. The logical thing for Argentina to do would be to field the strongest possible team and this should indeed be what happens. Whilst he cannot know the avaliability of all his players until closer to the time he can already have a strong idea of which French teams will not be in the Top 14 Orange. Clubs who finish outside of the top six will have no further matches after May 12th. At which time Phelan will already have a strong idea of who will be avaliable to face Italy and who will not. Currently the top six sides are Toulouse, Clermont Auvergne, Toulon, Castres, Montpellier and Stade Français. On form they are likely to remain the best six teams. Of the teams behind them lonly really Racing Metro is likely to seriously challenge for a place in the Top 14 Orange barrage. The remaining seven are in a fight of survival  to avoid relegation to the Pro d2. They are Agen, Bordeaux, Brive, Perpignan, Lyon, Biarritz and Bayonne. On points Racing Métro and Agen are the only two who appear likely to catch the top six while the remaining sides which means players from the remaining teams can already be considered avaliable.

Could Imhoff play fullback vs Italy?

The likes of Belisario Agulla, Miguel Avramovic, Marcelo Bosch, Rafael Carballo, Pablo Cardinelli, Manuel Carizza, Agustín Figuerola, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Pablo Henn, Juan Manuel Leguizamón and Nicolás Sanchez can therefore be considered. A worse case scenario would be a Montpellier vs Stade Français final as between then they account for eleven Pumas players. This being the case a possible XV to face Italy could be experimental in terms of positions. Phelan may like to see Juan Imhoff at fullback, Benjamin Urdapilleta or Nicolás Sánchez at inside centre, Andres Borody or Matias Cortese at hooker and Francisco Gomez Kodela or Juan Orlandi at tighthead prop. A possible XV to face Italy could therefore be as follows:

15 Juan Imhoff (Racing Métro, France)
14 Gonzalo Camacho (Exeter Chiefs, England)
13 Marcelo Bosch (Biarritz, France)
12 Benjamin Urdapilleta (Harlequins, England)
11 Horacio Agulla (Leicester Tigers, France)
10 Juan Martín Hernández (Racing Métro, France)
9 Agustín Figuerola (Brive, France)
8 Leonardo Senatore (Toulon, France)
7 Juan Manuel Leguizamón (Lyon, France)
6 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (Toulon, France)

5 Mariano Galarza (Los Pampas XV)

4 Manuel Carizza (Biarritz, France)

3 Francisco Gomez Kodela (Biarritz, France)
2 Andres Bordoy (Pau, France)
1 Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers, England)

Reserves

16 Matias Corteza (Gloucester, England)
17 Juan Orlandi (Racing Métro, France)
18 Tomás Vallejos Cinalli (Harlequins, England)
19 Julio Farías Carbello (Los Pampas XV)
20 Martín Landajo (Los Pampas XV)

21 Ignacio Mieres (Exeter Chiefs, England)

22 Belisario Agulla (Agen, France)

Unavaliable: Lucas González Amorosino, Maximilano Bustos, Martín Bustos Moyano, Felipe Contepomi, Agustín Creevy, Santiago Fernández, Juan Figallo, Martín Rodríguez Gurruchaga, Rodrigo Roncero, Gonzalo Tiesi and Francisco Nahul Tetaz.

June 2012 - Argentina´s Home Tests

June 9: Argentina vs Italy

June 16: Argentina vs France

June 23: Argentina vs France

Martín Bustos Moyano shows Pumas qualities during Trinh-Duc mastershow

Martín Bustos Moyano scored 26 points for Montpellier as they thrashed Stade Français 38-6 in front of a large passionate crowd at the Stade Yves du Manoir. Although the match belonged to French fly half François Trinh-Duc who produced a sublime performance and set up three tries.

The first try in particular was something special, and could rival another fantastic try from Takudzwa Ngwenya earlier in the season as the best of the season.

After a missed kick from Stade Français, instead of a usual 22 metre drop out, François Trinh-Duc took advantage of some unaware Stade defence and fed winger Timoci Nagusa with a mini drop kick and the Fijian was away past a slipping Martín Rodríguez and then after a good offload, Montpellier passed along the width of the pitch for Bustos Moyano to finish a wonderful try. Trinh-Duc also set up two other tries.

The second try from Bustos Moyano was more fortuitous, as a dreadful error from Antoine Burban handed the try to Montpellier on a plate.

Montpellier who spent a large part of the early season in the bottom half of the table, have now just lost once in their past 7 matches and have climbed into fifth position. Stade Français meanwhile are still in the playoff positions, but seem to be seriously struggling away from home, in their last two away matches now they have conceded 77 points and scored just 12. However their Parisian rivals Racing-Métro are playing very poorly at the minute, and Agen have gone off the pace, so they could finish in the top 6 just through home form.

This season there has been a shift in where the Pumas strengths have been, away from the second row and back row which have less professional players than in the past, this season the back three positions have shone in particular.

Juan Imhoff has adapted tremendously to professional rugby, Horacio Agulla has broken into a regular starting place in the Leicester side, Lucas González Amorosino has shown the skills which Leicester horribly misused, Martín Bustos Moyano has been probably the best Argentine kicker this season and has done well in attack also, and there is still of course Gonzalo Camacho although he is yet to score a try this season, and add to that the possibility of a Pampas XV star emerging Imhoff style, and the Pumas back three is in the best health it has possibly ever been in. It is no wonder Santiago Phelan has mentioned a transition into a style of play which uses the back three more.

No offense to the Borges, Leonelli, Aramburu, Piossek generation of wingers, but the wing position is in my opinion the most improved position of the Pumas since the 2007 World Cup, and that generation would not get near the Pumas side now.

With this added strength in the back three it asks the question of who the Pumas should select for the first Rugby Championship (4 Nations), Juan Imhoff is the first name on the list as although others are on good form he is a step above at the minute, Amorosino deserves a run at full back after consistently impressing during the World Cup and throughout the season with Montpellier.

The other position in the back three is more open, Camacho and Agulla were the wingers at the World Cup but Agulla has been on better form so far this season.

Then there is Bustos Moyano, who crucially is probably the Pumas best goal kicker, the Pumas goal kicking was a huge problem at the World Cup and they finished with the lowest success percentage of any side, it cost them the England match and hence an easier quarter final against France. Bustos Moyano's goal kicking for me brings him above the other contenders, as since Felipe Contepomi's goal kicking has turned abysmal, Argentina have had to contend more on Scotland and Italy's level and have gone behind Ireland, Wales, England and France who they were beating around 2005/07 period. And even if Bustos Moyano didn't goal kick, there would still be an argument to play him as he has shown himself a decent player with ball in hand.

(Video: Martín Bustos Moyano's two tries from his 26 point haul against Stade Français)

LV= Cup Round 3 Wrap

Hanno Dirksen

Three months after round two, this past weekend saw the return of the LV= Cup. The tournament has become known as an event for the English and Welsh clubs to try some younger, less experienced players as well as give game time to those who are usually not selected in match day 22´s. The scenario was indeed what happened with the weekends matches involving plenty lesser known players. There were, nonetheless, players from the Americas in action with Argentina, Canada and the United States of America all being represented.

Ospreys 26-21 Dragons

The Ospreys relocated their match vs the Newport-Gwent Dragons to Bridgend. The city was the home of the defunct Celtic Warriors when Wales had five regions instead of four. Both teams were missing Welsh internationals due to the up-and-coming Six Nations tournament. The Ospreys four tries to two victory featured one try to the USA´s Hanno Dirksen who played the full match on the right wing. Canada´s Chauncey O´Toole started in the 6 shirt and played 70 minutes before being replaced.

Bath 46-14 Northampton Saints
Bath´s comfrtable home win at the Recreation Ground featured USA secondrower Samu Manoa. His reputation as being a hard-hitting tackler continues to grow and the Saints are happy to use him at the back of the scrum. He started at 8 and played the full 80 minutes. USA Eagles hooker, Chris Biller did not feature for Bath.

Gloucester 40-3 Cardiff Blues
Gloucester´s huge victory came not because of the match being played at Kingsholm, but rather, because of the lack of Welsh internationals on show. The team was a shadow of the one which last weekend qualified for the Heineken Cup Quarter Finals. Former Pumas hooker, Matias Corteze started for Gloucester and played 56 minutes.

Harlequins 9-19 Leicester Tigers
The Harlequins perfect start to the season seems now to be a distand memory as the side has been able to string together wins as of late. The Londoners blew their home advantage at the Stoop as the Leicester Tigers ran out winners with a three tries to nil display. Argentine pivot, Benjamin Urdapilleta started at outrside centre for the Harlequins and played 62 minutes. Los Pumas Secondrower, Tomás Vallejos Cinalli played the final 15 minutes as a replacement. Horacio Agulla, Marcos Ayerza and Martín Castrogiovanni were all rested by Leicester.

London Wasps 16-30 Exeter Chiefs
Exeter´s continued run of good results did not end even at the formidable Adams Park as the Chiefs ran out comfortable winners, even without most first choice players. Both Ignacio Mieres and Gonzalo Camacho were rested for this match.

Scarlets 27-19 London Irish
While other Welsh sides were strugglers the Scarlets were not as the Llanelli based side came out on top at the Parc Y Scarlets. Canada´s Jebb Sinclair continues to recover from injury.

Saracens 41-14 Worcester WarriorsSunday´s first match saw Saracens crush Worcester at Vicarage Road. Neither side fielded leading players and as such both of Saracen´s USA internationals, Chris Wyles and Hayden Smith did not feature. Similarly the Argentine-Italian, Carlos Nieto was given the weekend off.

Newcastle Falcons 37-7 Sale Sharks
Falcons fans had a rear sensation as Kingston Park saw witness to a Newcastle victory with the home side smashing apart Sale under the command of new coach, Gary Gold. Joaquin Tuculet played the match at fullback for the Sharks. Newcastle now have the tough task of facing Leicester next Saturday in the final round of pool play.

Harlequins vs Leicester Tigers


Bath vs Northampton Saints


London Wasps vs Exeter Chiefs

Juan Imhoff´s collision with Christopher Tolofua

Juan Imhoff

Pumas winger, Juan Imhoff had to leave the field in the first half of Racing Métro´s home match vs Toulouse on Saturday. While on the field he took a massive hit from 18 year old, 118KG French hooker Christopher Tolofua when attempting a tackle. The collision saw the larger man flatten the Argentine, who was playing fullback for Racing Métro, and the replay showed that it the players had a clash of heads while in contact. The young French hooker may well have a future on his hands at the international level after he had a solid match and was able to brush away defenders with ball in hand. Imhoff left the field two minutes after the incident.

Imhoff is expected to be match fit in time for Racing Métro´s next match, on February 10th vs strugglers Perpignan. There will be no Top 14 Orange matches next weekend due to round 17 being delayed to allow for the start of the 2012 Six Nations championship.

USA to Host Junior World Rugby Trophy 2012

Hosting reflects massive growth in Rugby in USA

Salt Lake City hosts key age grade event

IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy set to leave lasting legacy for Rugby in America

The International Rugby Board has announced that USA Rugby will host the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT) 2012 from 18-30 June in Salt Lake City.

The announcement, which was made at the 2012 USA Rugby Youth Development Conference in Atlanta on Saturday, reflects the ongoing committment of both the IRB and USA Rugby to grow the Game within one of the world's major markets.

Rugby is taking off in the States with participation rates making the sport one of the fastest growing team sports in the country. Olympic re-inclusion has further boosted interest and growth and the hosts will be looking to build on the hugely successful HSBC Sevens World Series event in Las Vegas and growing support for the national team as demonstrated at Rugby World Cup 2011.

Hosts USA join Canada, Chile, Georgia, Japan, Russia, Tonga and Zimbabwe as they attempt to emulate 2011 champions Samoa by winning the title and with it promotion to the IRB Junior World Championship 2013 in France.

The eight participating teams will be split into two pools of four, with double headers played across four match days.

The tournament will aim to exceed the record-breaking event in Georgia, and provide compelling and entertaining Rugby whilst leaving a lasting legacy for the Game in the host nation.

“The IRB is committed to the development of the Game around the world and the USA is a very important and exciting market for Rugby. We now have a 10 year tours and test schedule that will see major international teams touring north America starting this year, while Sevens is really taking off. Schools are increasingly looking to Rugby as a force for social and sporting integration and USA Rugby is reaching out to more men, women and children than ever before," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"The IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy has consistently proven that it is a major tournament on the global Rugby calendar. It's blend of entertaining, high-quality matches always captures the imagination and I am sure that USA 2012 will be no different. The legacy for Rugby in the Host Union and participating teams is proven and long lasting.

“As well as providing teams with a platform to test themselves on the international stage at this key age grade level, the tournament also provides an opportunity to take Rugby to new and expanding territories, and enables Unions to adopt best-practice techniques across areas as diverse as High Performance strategies, event hosting and Referee development.”

“I would like to thank USA Rugby for their commitment, enthusiasm and passion in the delivery of what, I am sure, will be a world-class event and for using the opportunity to continue their great work in growing the Game.”

USA Rugby will seek to build on the outstanding tournament hosted in Tbilisi last year, which saw record fans and increased broadcast coverage coupled with some of the world’s best young players. Russia’s Denis Simplikevich became one of the latest of the 82 JWRT graduates to grace the world stage when he made his Test debut at Rugby World Cup 2011.

Tai Enosa, Scott LaValla and Shawn Pittman who now play regularly for the Eagles at fifteens and Sevens, also cut their teeth on the world stage at IRB age grade tournaments.

“We are very proud to be hosting the JWRT,” said USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations, Nigel Melville. “I know the American rugby community will embrace this great tournament and I’m confident that we at USA Rugby will deliver an impressive event.”

Melville added, “Hosting a JWRT is the first step to positioning the USA to host larger tournaments with the end goal of one day hosting a Rugby World Cup.”

Speaking in Atlanta, IRB Development Manager Morgan Buckley reiterated the success USA Rugby has enjoyed in the promotion of its development initiatives, particularly the record-breaking Rookie Rugby programme which introduces boys and girls to the sport.

“I am delighted to present USA Rugby with their IRB Development Award 2011 on home soil for their hugely successful Rookie Rugby programme which has seen more than two million children take up the sport,” said Buckley.

“Together with their existing High Performance programmes and commitment to both Sevens and Women’s Rugby, the Game is in great shape here as the Union continues to build for the future. These are very exciting times for Rugby.

Source: IRB

Top 14 Round 16 Wrap




Hernández to remain at Racing Métro?

The sixteenth round of the Top 14 Orange was interesting for Pumas players and fans of Argentine rugby due to the decision earlier in the week of English side, the Leicester Tigers to not renew the contract of in-form winger, Horacio Agulla due to the late finish to The Rugby Championship. With the bulk of Argentina´s current test players being based in France the future of a larger number of players remains under a question mark. It would be hard to imagine a Top 14 Orange without Pumas players and a number of clubs will, indeed, see reason and likely hang onto their Argentine men. One such example being Racing Métro who despite having earlier said that they won´t be signing any more Argentine players are now looking to resign Juan Martín Hernández for three aditional years. The results of round 16 see a number of changes to the competition standings with Lyon now not only off the bottom of the table but now outside of the relegation zone, with a game in hand. Two of France´s most traditional clubs may now be the ones dropping to the Pro d2 after all of Bayonne, Biarritz, Brive and Perpignan lost and the four sides are in the bottom five of the Top 14 Orange.

Montpellier 38-6 Stade Français

Martín Bustos Moyano

Friday kicked off the round with a bang as Montpellier made Stade Français look like a Pro d2 side at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir. It featured ten players from Argentina with winger, Martin Bustos Moyano creating history by scoring 26 points, including two of Montpellier´s four tries. He was joined in the back three by Lucas González Amorosino who played the entire match at fullback. Agustín Creevy started at hooker while fellow frontrowers, Maximilano Bustos and Juan Figallo were on the bench. Bustos entered in the 57th minute and Figallo three minutes earlier. Pumas inside centre, Santiago Fernández was unused from the bench. François Trinh-Duc had a great match at flyhalf and totally outplayed Felipe Contepomi. Argentina´s captain was replaced in the 68th minute. Martín Rodríguez Gurruchaga started at 12 and played 65 minutes while Rodrigo Roncero left at the same time as Contepomi. USA Eagle, Scott LaValla did not play for the Parisians who were captained by Argentine-Italian Sergio Parisse.

Brive 17-9 Perpignan

Agustín Figuerola

With the fight to avoid relegation heating up, Brive´s win over France´s 2009 Champions, Perpignan at the Stade Amedee-Domenech was crucial. It sees Brive go one win clear of the relegation zone and one point ahead of the Catalans. Former English flyhalf, Shane Geraghty returned for Brive and faced off against Welsh international, James Hook. Since arriving at Perpignan, Hook has been solid but unable to spark Perpignan´s backs. In good news for Los Pumas, scrumhalf Agustín Figuerola started for Brive and played 68 minutes. Pablo Henn started at loosehead prop and recieved a firsthalf yellowcard. He played until the 50th minute before being replaced by fellow former Puma, Pablo Cardinali.

Castres 29-23 Biarritz

Marcelo Bosch

Castres won at home and again did so without threatening much in attack. The teams ability to win from goalkicking is legendary and continues to see the side succeed despite having fewer international players than other leading teams and being a small city. Biarritz will, nonetheless, be happy to go home with a bonus point despite returning to the relegation zone, albeit only just. Marcelo Bosch played the first 60 minutes at outside centre with USA Eagles flyer, Taku Ngwenya playing one man outside him and playing the full 80 minutes. Francisco Gomez Kodela started at tighthead prop while secondrower Manuel Carizza and frontrower Eusebio Guiñazú both entered in the 69th minute. Uruguay´s Rodrigo Capó Ortega had been named to start in the secondrow for Castres but was a late withdraw from the team.



Lyon 19-6 Agen

Juan Manuel Leguizamón

France´s second largest city can dream of staying in the Top 14 Orange after Lyon OU completed an important win at the Matmut Stadium to officially get out of the relegation zone. Juan Manuel Leguizamón played the full 80 minutes in the backrow for Lyon and former Pumas inside centre, Miguel Avramovic played the full match for Agen and Martín Scelzo came on in the 64th minute at tighthead prop. Leguizamón is certain to retain the Pumas 7 shirt for the international season while Avramovic is an outside chance of returning but Scelzo has officially retired. USA international winger, Kevin Swiryn did not play for Agen nor did Belisario Agulla. Agen were denied a bonus point due to failing to convert Silvere Tian´s 78th minute try. The team now faces a tough and unlikely battle to get back into the top six to claim a place in nest seasons Heineken Cup.



Toulon 50-10 Bayonne
Toulon´s demolition job of Bayonne at the Stade Félix-Mayol sees the Basque side fall to rock bottom. Bayonne´s crisis of changing coaches has proven to be a failure and the side´s signings of former All Blacks and Welsh scrumhalf, Mike Phillips has been unable to bring in the results. French test winger, Yoann Huget had another set back, this time being red carded in the 26th minute after striking an opponent on the forehead. Toulon, in contrast are sitting pretty in third place having overtaken Castres. Pumas backrower, Leonardo Senatore did not play.

Racing Métro 13-19 Toulouse

Patricio Albacete

Paris based Racing Métro moved the match to the Stade de France but did not field its strongest team due to injury complications. Juan Martín Hernández was one of the missing players. The match was a cliffhanger, with Toulouse getting the win thanks to a late try.  Juan Imhoff started at fullback but had to leave the field after 32 minutes as he was in discomfort and Argentine site scrum confirmed he left due to a sore calf. Argentine prop Juan Orlandi entered for Racing Métro in the 63rd minute while secondrower Patricio Albacete played the full match for Toulouse. Neither Alvaro Galindo or Racing nor Nicolás Vergallo of Toulouse featured. The result means Racing Métro sit two points outside of the barrage zone.

Bordeaux Begles 10-17 Clermont Auvergne

Rafael Carballo

The team considered the weakest in the competition is looking increasingly safe to stay in the Top 14 Orange and despite hosting heavyweights, Clermont, Bordeaux still came away with a bonus point in losing. The match was relocated to the Stade Chaban-Delmas, the same venue which hosted France vs Ireland in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2011 and hosted four matches at France 2007. Argentine winger, Rafael Carballo played the full match on the wing for Bordeaux while Canada´s Jamie Cudmore lasted the 80 muinutes for the visitors. Argentine-Italian Gonzalo Canale also started for Clermont. Nicolás Sánchez missed the match due to injury.

Top 14 Orange Standings
1 Toulouse 60
2 Clermont 54
3 Toulon 45
4 Castres 44

5 Montpellier 40

6 Stade Français 39

7 Racing Métro 37

8 Agen 36

9 Bordeaux 31 *

10 Brive 28

11 Perpignan 27

12 Lyon 24 *

13 Biarritz 24
14 Bayonne 21

* One game in hand.

Montpellier vs Stade Français


Brive vs Perpignan


Bordeaux vs Clermont

Bègles-Bordeaux - ASM : Le Résumé por asm

Toulon vs Bayonne

Résumé Toulon-Bayonne por rctoulon

Seniors gathering in Buenos Aires ahead of Vodacom Cup

The best of Argentina´s domestic based players are arriving in Buenos Aires for the years first national meeting, to take place from Monday through Wednesday. Amongst the players involved are a number of players who have played for Los Pumas and four players who competed at Rugby World Cup 2011. They are backrowers Alejandro Campos, Julio Farías Cabello and Genaro Fessia as well as secondrower Mariano Galarza. As in 2010 and 2011 a significant number of the plaeyrs invovled will go on to feature for Los Pumas vs tier one opposition and a number may also go on to play prfoessionally just like many have including Martín Bustos Moyano, Maximilano Bustos, Agustín Creevy, Santiago Fernández, Agustín Figuerola, Martín Rodríguez Gurruchaga, Juan Imhoff and Joaquin Tuculet.



Los Pampas XV CoachDaniel Hourcade

The National delegation will meet in the facilities of the San Isidro Club (SIC) on Monday at noon. In the afternoon, players will participate in the first practice, which will focus on the game system they intend to develop Daniel Hourcade coaches and Mauricio Reggiardo. "This will be the first rally of the year, will meet the players and we will start working on the basis of the gameplay. All come with a base, since each one in his Pladar was working on individual skills, "coach Daniel Hourcade said, who added that" there will be three days of intensive training, as we will not have games, but will be training with opposition. Additionally, we will be evaluating the players to form the Los Pampas XV squad that will travel to South Africa."

The schedule indicates that the National roster will train in a double shift the next two days, with the exception being on Tuesday morning, with the forwards scruming at the facilities of the uenos Aires cricket & Rugby Club.

"We are fortunate that all the players are in good condition, have been responsible and are highly motivated to start practice. In this preparation the players aim to get to Vodacom rhythm. Because of the World Cup, this group of players did not have much competition throughout 2011. Similarly, all members of the school grounds are very well physically, and most already know the game system we want the coaches, "said the coach Tucuman.

In Regards to the Vodacom Cup, the coach who in 2011 became champion of the tournament in command of Los Pampas XV, said, "will be a tough tournament. We have earned a place, we are the champions, and that means all the teams will want to win and put in a bonus against us. That is positive, because the better level the tournament is more positive it is for us. This time we will integrate the South Zone, where stronger teams will present tough battles."

Seniors

1 AHUALI DE CHAZAL, Lisandro (Universitario, Tucumán)

2 AMBROSIO, Stéfano (Tala RC, Cordobesa)

3 ARANGUREN, Felipe (CUBA, URBA)

4 ARAOZ, José (Jockey Club, Tucumán)

5 ASCARATE, Gabriel (Natación y Gimnasia, Tucumán)

6 AZZORIN, Nicolás (Liceo Naval, URBA)

7 BAEZ, Rodrigo (Liceo RC, Cuyo)

BARREA, Facundo (Córdoba Athletic, Cordobesa)

9 BRUNO, Rodrigo (Jockey Club de Villa María, Cordobesa)

10 CAMPOS, Alejandro (Club Pueyrredón, URBA)

11 CASTELINA, Ariel (Universitario, Tucumán)

12 CORIA, Emiliano (Lince RC, Tucumán)

13 CORTES, Gastón (Córdoba Athletic, Cordobesa)

14 CRAIG, Santiago (Liceo Naval, URBA)

15 CUBELLI, Tomás (Belgrano Athletic, URBA)

16 DE LA FUENTE, Jerónimo (Duendes RC, URBA)

17 DE LA VEGA, Tomás (CUBA, URBA)

18 ESTELLES, Juan Pablo (Atlético del Rosario, URBA)

19 FARALLE, Ezequiel (Huirapuca, Tucumán)

20 FARIAS CABELLO, Julio (Tucumán RC, Tucumán)

21 FESSIA, Genaro (Córdoba Athletic, Cordobesa)

22 GALARZA, Mariano (Universitario de La Plata, URBA)

23 GARCIA VEIGA, Martín (Buenos Aires C&RC, URBA)

24 GOMEZ LOPEZ, Lisandro (La Tablada, Cordobesa)

25 GOMEZ, JUAN (Los Matreros, URBA)

26 GONZALEZ IGLESIAS, Santiago (Asociación Alumni, URBA)

27 GUILLEMAIN, Juan Cruz (Jockey Club, Sanjuanina)

28 GUZMÁN, Santiago (Tucumán RC, Tucumán)

29 LANDAJO, Martín (CASI, URBA)

30 LEONARDI, Tomás (SIC, URBA)

31 LOBO, Nahuel (Estudiantes de Paraná, Entrerriana)

32 MACOME, Benjamín (Tucumán RC, Tucumán)

33 MADERO, Benjamín (SIC, URBA)

34 MENDEZ, Santiago (SIC, URBA)

35 MIRALLES, Román (Duendes RC, Rosario)

36 MONTERO, Manuel (Pucará, URBA)

37 MOYANO JOYA, Ramiro (Lince RC, Tucumán)

38 ORLANDO, Matías (Huirapuca, Tucumán)

39 PICCININI, Francisco (SIC, URBA)

40 POSTIGLIONE, Bruno (La Plata RC, URBA)

41 ROJAS, Javier (Universitario, Tucumán)

42 TEJERIZO, Roberto (Tucumán Lawn Tennis, Tucumán)

With Thanks: http://www.uar.com.ar/

Canada Sevens Squad for Wellington and Las Vegas

Nanyak Dala

Caanda has announced squads of twelve players for both upcoming legs of the IRB World Sevens Series - Wellington and Las Vegas. The squads are packed with some of Canada´s biggest names including multiple players who featured at Rugby World Cup 2011. Nanyak Dala, Sean Duke, Ciaran Hearn, Nathan Hirayama, Taylor Paris, Conor Trainor and Sean White are all in the squad for both tournaments and will be entering the Wellington event, which is to be played on February 3-4, wanting to go far. Despite the list of notable players it is far from being Canada´s ebst Sevens side as a number of players are unavaliable through injury including Phil Mack, Thyssen de Geode, Mike Scholtz and Lukas Balkovec. While Canada´s overseas based players are all unavaliable. The likes of Chauncey O’Toole, DTH van der Merwe, Adam Kleeberger, Phil Mackenzie and Matt Evans would all be in the team if they were still based in Canada.

Canada Squad

Tyler Ardron

Nanyak Dala

Sean Duke

Ciaran Hearn

Nathan Hirayama

John Moonlight

Taylor Paris

Conor Trainor

Sean White

Lucas Hammond *

Jeff Hassler*

Clayton Meeres*

Connor Braid**

Harry Jones**

Sean Ferguson**

____________________________

* Wellington only

** Las Vegas only

Canada vs USA, Dubai 2011

USA Eagles Sevens team for Wellington and Las Vegas

Roland Suniula

The USA Eagles Sevens team has a new ring to it following the groundbreaking confirmation of a group of players who are now full time professionals. The added time training together and doing so in superior facilities is certain to result in an improved USA Sevens team. The first test of this will not be easy, however, as the USA Eagles are to play in Pool B of the Wellington Sevens against powerhouses England and South Africa as well as regional qualifier, the Cook Islands. The Eagles squad features a number of important players. Roland Suniula has returned to the Sevens squad for the first time sicne the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Suniula was the USA´s starting flyhalf at Rugby World Cup 2011. His return is certain to provide the USA with increased options in attack.

USA Eagles Sevens Squad

Mark Bokhoven (Denver Barbarians; Ames, Iowa)

Mike Palefau (Utah Warriors; Salt Lake City, Utah)

Miles Craigwell (Old Puget Sound Beach; Boston, Mass.)

Shalom Suniula (USA Rugby; San Diego, Calif.)

Zack Test (USA Rugby; Palo Alto, Calif.)

Garrett Bender (USA Rugby; Minneapolis, Minn.)

Maka Unufe (USA Rugby; Provo, Utah)

Andrew Durutalo (Old Puget Sound Beach; Seattle, Wa.)

Folau Niua (USA Rugby; East Palo Alto, Calif.)

Peter Tiberio (USA Rugby; Naperville, Ill.)

Colin Hawley (USA Rugby; Trowbridge, Calif.)

Roland Suniula (USA Rugby; Boston, Mass.)

Benjamin Urdapilleta Returns

Urdapilleta vs Toulouse

The one time capped Argentine inside back, Benjamin Urdapilleta has been named to start at outside centre for the Harlequins in the teams match vs the Leicester Tigers later on today. It is to be the third round of the Anglo-Welsh Cup, known as the LV= Cup for commerical reasons. As it is regarded as being third in importance after both the Aviva Premiership and the Heineken Cup it is normal for teams to field players who usually are far from making the starting lineup. Both the Quins and Tigers have done this for their match with a large contingent of players from both teams making a rare appearance.

The Tigers are giving all three of the clubs Argentine players the weekend off. None of winger Horacio Agulla, loosehead prop, Marcos Ayerza or the Argentine-Italian tighthead prop Martín Castrogiovani will feature. Urdapilleta will be joined by fellow Tomás Vallejos Cinalli who will take his place on the bench.

Harlequins

15 Ross Chisholm

14 Seb Stegmann

13 Benjamin Urdapilleta

12 Tom Casson

11 Tom Williams

10 Rory Clegg

9 Richard Bolt

8 Tom Guest

7 Will Skinner (Captain)

6 Luke Wallace

5 Charlie Matthews

4 Pete Browne

3 Tim Fairbrother

2 Rob Buchanan

1 Mark Lambert

Reserves: 16 Nic Mayhew, 17 Daryl Marfo, 18 Will Collier, 19 Tomás Vallejos Cinalli, 20 Chris York, 21 Sam Stuart, 22 Charlie Walker, 23 Ollie Lindsay-Hague.

Leicester Tigers

15 Niall Morris

14 Scott Hamilton

13 Dante Mama

12 Andy Forsyth

11 Alex Lewington

10 George Ford

9 Sam Harrison

8 Ben Pienaar

7 Tom Armes

6 Ben Woods (Captain)

5 Graham Kitchener

4 Calum Green

3 Logoviii Mulipola

2 Jimmy Stevens

1 Boris Stankovich

Reserves: 16 George Chuter, 17 Ryan Bower, 18 Jonny Harris, 19 Joe Cain, 20 James Doyle, 21 James Grindal, 22 Jeremy Staunton, 23 Matt Smith.

Mar del Plata pushing hard to host a leg of the IRB World Sevens Series

Estadio José María Minella, Mar del Plata.

The host city of the 2011 Rugby Sevens World Cup, Mar del Plata continues to campaign hard to be included as a host city in the IRB World Sevens Series. The current format inovles nine legs with Australia and Japan added to the circuit for the current season. The organizers are looking to expand it yet again and with South America being the only continent without an event the case for Mar del Plata to do so is only getting stronger. The city has called upon the Municipal Tourism Entity (EMTur) to help deliver it an annual leg of the IRB World Sevens Series. EMTur officially presented the city´s candidacy to the International Rugby Board (IRB).

As reported by Argentine site rugbytime, EMTUR president, Pablo Fernandez said on Wednesday that there was a very important candidate for the city of Mar del Plata in the UAR and, through it, the International Rugby Board to host the Sevens World in October (2012) and thereafter for five years. According to the official, Mar del Plata is trying to become one of the sites that receive the Circuit in the month of October. Fernandez said he was confident of a successful bid because Mar del Plata is a the seaside resort city which, in his words has "demonstrated in all the events that we are able to address this type of event. I went to the Davis Cup, the Olympic Qualifying Basketball, with the Dakar Rally or the mountains. "The city will rise to the occasion and can host these events. And all this background we favor at the time of introducing ourselves, because we have previous credentials to prove it, "the president of EMTUR.

Gonzalo Tiesi undergoes surgery

Tiesi for Stade Français

Argentina´s bad luck story of the season continues with outside centre, Gonzalo Tiesi having undergone surgery on a herniated lumbar disc.On twitter, Tiesi told his followers that he had decided to undertake surgery as he was experiencing a lot of pain in his right shoulder. He stateted that he was making the right decision for the future and that the rehabilitation time remains the same. he is now expected to be on the sidelines for three months. The time will enable him to fully recover and to to, as he said, come back better than before. His decision was made with The Rugby Championship in mind, which is to start in August.  

After having had his World Cup ended in only the 33rd minute of Los Pumas´ first match of the tournament due to a knee injury, the Stade Français centre has had a complicated season in which he has barely played for the club and this has seen Biarritz´s Marcelo Bosch overtake him as the likely international outside centre for The Rugby Championship.

Try Tiesi vs Scotland, 2010

South American planning ready for 2012

Preperation for CONSUR´s 2012 events are well underway with the governing body fof South American rugby on track to deliver a complete list of events that will see rugby continue to growth throughout the region. Brazil, Chile and Venezuela have been confirmed as all hosting important events in the South American program, another sign that the region is developing and not being operated in the interests of maintaining Argentina´s hegemonic like place in South American rugby circles.

Brazil is to host the 2012 South American Sevens for both mens and womens rugby at a yet to be confirmed location. The 2011 event was a major success as Brazil´s southern city of Bento Gonçalves hosted the event. The tournament made history for Brazil as the home team defeated Argentina for the first time in history. The 2012 event could well be played in São Paulo which is home to four of Brazil´s five top sides or or São José dos Campos which is the home of the Brazilian champions. Brazil will also host a Cross Border tournament in May the city of Foz do Iguaçu which borders both Argentina and Paraguay.

Chile is to host the South American Championship (CONSUR A) in a yet to be determined city with Santiago and Viña del Mar being the strong contenders. The 2011 event was held in the Argentine city of Puerto Iguazu located across the river from Foz do Iguaçu. Brazil completed a record breaking win over Paraguay en route to booking a place in the expanded CONSUR A event which will see Brazil face not only both Chile and Uruguay but also Argentina. CONSUR´s B event, meanwhile, is to be held by Venezuela latter in the year.

March 2012
10 & 11 - South American Sevens, Brazil.

May

7 - 20 South American Championship (CONSUR A), Chile

July

2 - 8 Northern Cross Border Tournament, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil

August

13 - 19 South American B Championship (CONSUR B), Venezuela

Jamie Cudmore extends his contract with Clermont

Jamie Cudmore

Canadian hardman, Jamie Cudmore has signed a two year deal to remain at French club, Clermont until mid 2014. Known for his high tackle rate and the impact there of, Cudmore has a noticable reputation in Europe. The veteran secondrower / backrower has been an important member of the club for a number of years and played in every French final from 2007-2010. His first season with Clermont was in 2005 and has been regarded as Canada´s best exported player for the bulk of this time. His experience in France was considered invaluable by Canadian mens head-coach, Kieran Crowley at last years Rugby World Cup and his continuation at Clermont is likely to provide up -and-coming Canadian forwards with similar benefits.

Having played at three World Cup already, Cudmore could push for a forth but he will be aged 37 come Rugby World Cup 2015. Should his form continue then he has every chance of appearing in England 2015.

Was this the most outrageous Super Rugby match of all time?

Todd Clever with ball in hand for The Lions

A host of records were broken in the round two Super Rugby match between the Lions and the Chiefs at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in 2010. The match saw an amazing total of 18 tries scored with both sides scoring nine each. The aggregate total of 137 points was also a record with the New Zealand side running out 72-65 winners. It was thus the highest total of points ever scored by an away side in the history of Super Rugby and was also the the highest total scored by a losing team. The match was another showcasing rugby in the Americas with USA Eagles captain and backrower, Todd Clever playing number 8 for the Lions. Clever´s scored one of the Lions´ nine tries to see his name written in the record books in this incredible match.  

The Lions have long been considered not only the weakest South African side but were also considered the worst in Super Rugby until the addition of the Melbourne Rebels in 2011. The Lions, nonetheless, started the 2010 season well as won their round one clash vs the Sharks in Durban six days before taking on the Chiefs. Whilst the record books were torn apart for this encounter there was also a lot of reason for so many tries with the centres of both teams defending poorly. Doppies La Grange, Deon van Rensburg, Callum Bruce and Richard Kahui missed 20 tackles between themselves. The overall figure of missed tackles was shocking with the Lions missing 48 and the Chiefs 44.

Brazil´s Duque Brothers to play for Blagnac?



Moisés Duque



The ongoing saga of whether or not Lucas Duque (Tank) and Moisés Duque will play rugby as professionals in France continues. Rumours have led to Top 14 Orange side Castres and Pro d2 side Albi as possible destinations but neither rumour has been proven correct. Now, however, it seems that the desintation of the brothers has a stronger chance of being true. The Duque´s did indeed have tests at Albi but Moisés told Brazilian site Terceiro Tempo that the suggestion the players could play for Castres was nothing more than a rumour.

The Duque brothers may well play for French third division  (Fédérale 1) club, Blagnac a club based in the zones of Europe´s most successful team of all time, Toulouse. In an official meeting with Blagnac, the brothers underwent initial testing under the watch of backs and head-coach Jean Marc Aué and forwards coach, Thierry Bourdet. Alain Lisetto, the clubs manager, also participated. The clubs Director and Vice President, Mr. Sicre, also recieved and went through the more administrative and bureaucratic aspects, covering what is needed for them to live in France.

All should be revealed soon. The multiple-time Brazilian champions with São José will undergo further tests for Blagnac to have a greater understanding of their physical endurance and technical capabilities to understand whether or not they are adapt to compete for Blagnac next season.

Brazil´s debut at the global level is almost here

Takudzwa Ngwenya hat trick for Biarritz against the Ospreys

Takudzwa Ngwenya scored a hat trick for Biarritz against the Ospreys last weekend, finishing off three tries in the corner in what turned out to be a 36-5 thrashing dealt out by the Basque side. It shows how much the Ospreys have gone backwards that two seasons ago this fixture came down to 1 point in a match the Ospreys were unlucky to lose. 

The thrashing means Biarritz were the nearest side to miss on Heineken Cup quarter final qualification but qualify for the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter finals where they will meet Wasps.

The first Ngwenya try was due to poor defending from youngster Eli Walker who picked ahead of Shane Williams looked a liability in defence. The second came at the end of a flowing backs move. The third he took advantage of an out of position Walker, and was far too quick for Jonathan Thomas.

Biarritz are on much better form now, and it seems to have coincided with the return of their talisman Dimitri Yachvili. Without him they seem lost, their performance over the first half of the season showed how much they missed him. The Biarrots have a tricky away match to Castres next and then will face Toulouse in what should have been a home at a neutral venue thanks to Harinordoquy's dad.

(Takudzwa Ngwenya's hat trick against the Ospreys)

Churchill Cup 2009 - Canada vs Georgia





DTH van der Merwe scoring for Glasgow



The 2009 Churchill Cup saw history being made as Canada and Georgia faced each other for the first time ever. The tournament was hosted by the USA at the then new home of the USA Eagles, Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado. The locals responded well with a crowd of over 3,000 attending the match. Neither side was at full strength but Canada was the better prepared side having faced Ireland and Wales over the previous two weekends. The North Americans were significantly better than in their previous international, vs Scotland in November 2008.Georgia´s team was very much a second string lineup as the teams players from the French Top 14 had been rested after completing a long season. Canada´s Jamie Cudmore also missed the match and was playing for Clermont in the Top 14 Final on the same day. His team were defeated 22-13 by Perpignan. Georgia´s Davit Zirakashvili joined Cudmore as a secondhalf replacement after coming on for Martín Scelzo.

Canada´s big 42-10 victory came off the back of a number of strong performances with the 10-12 combination of man of the match Ander Monro and DTH van der Merwe laying the platform for the North Americans. Monro was able to lay claim to Canada´s 10 shirt and would indeed go on to be the teams flyhalf at Rugby World Cup 2011. He made numerous linebreaks and put others through gaps with some neat passing. One way or another he contributed to four of Canada´s five tries. Replacement fullback, Matt Evans had a great match as he came off the bench to score two late tries. The superiority of Canada´s backs would not have been so prominant without the scrumhalf distribution of Ed Fairhurst. The Canadian cult hero gave Monro quality ball throughout the match and also organized the forwards superbly.

Canada´s first try was scored by backrower, Aaron Carpenter who collected a dropped up-and-under from the opposition and ran clear for surely the easiest try in his test career. With James Pritchard converting to make up for his early missed penalty, Canada went ahead 7-0 after eleven minutes. Merab Kvirikashvili made it 7-3 with a penalty after seventeen minutes but the Europeans would not be able to further decrease the lead in the match. Canada responded almost straight from the restart with what was probably the country´s best try of the decade. Pritchard ran the ball back from a Georgian clearing kick and after a few passes Monro broke the line and was able to give Fairhurst an offload in the tackle. Winger Sean Duke then fed it to van der Merwe who passed over his head to Nanyak Dala who touched down. Pritchard´s conversion reounded off the posts which made the scores 12-3 in the twentieth minute. Eight minutes latter DTH van der Merwe went over for Canada´s third try as he linked with Dala to get past some tried tackles down the blindside. This time Pritchard was on target as he landed a sideline conversion to put Canada ahead 19-3. Georgia found its feet in the final ten minutes of the half, however, with David Dadunashvili scoring a try almost straight after he entered the field. With Kvirikashvili´s conversion the scores were 19-10 and they stayed this way until halftime.

James Pritchard scored the first points after the interval with a penalty goal in the fourty-third minute to make it 22-10. He added three more points nine minutes later after Canada were awarded a penalty following a fight. Georgia were then down to fourteen men as Dadunashvili was yellowcarded for foul play against Canadian backrower, Adam Kleeberger. The Lelos were able to withstand the pressure and not conceede points. With the introduction of Matt Evans in the sixty-sixth minute, the game changed as he was able to zig-zag his way through the defence and indeed go over for his first test try. With Pritchard´s conversion and a subsequent penalty, th North Americans had wrapped up the game as they held a twenty-five point lead. Evans, however was out to impress and he succeeded as he went over for his second try in the seventy-fifth minute. Pritchard made it 42-10 with the conversion.

Canada would face the Argentina Jaguares (Argentina A) latter on in the tournament. For further information click here.

Canada
1 Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
2 Pat Riordan Captain (University of Victoria)
3 Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria)
4 Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens)
5 Mike Burak (Unattached)
6 Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers)
7 Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
8 Aaron Carpenter (Coventry, England)
9 Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates, England)
10 Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
11 Sean Duke (University of Victoria)
12 DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
13 Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
14 Dean Van Camp (Velox Valhallians)
15 James Pritchard (Bedford Blues, England)

Reserves: 16 Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians), 17 Doug Wooldridge (Cowichan RFC), 18 Stuart Ault (Rotherham Titans, England), 19 John Moonlight (University of Victoria), 20 Matt Evans (Hartpury College)
21 Bryn Keys (Moseley RFC), 22 Phil Mack (James Bay AA)

Georgia
1 Zero Petriashvili (Lokomotivi)
2 Iuri Natriashvili (Constanca Farulcroman, Romania)
3 Giorgi Jgenti (Oyonnax, France)
4 Levan Datunashvili (Stade Aurillac, France)
5 Rati Urushadze (Enisei-STM, France)
6 Grigol Labadze Captain (Toulon, France)
7 Irakli Gundishvili (Unattached)
8 Dimitri Basilaia (Morlaàs)
9 Giorgi Rokhvadze (AIA)
10 Lasha Malaguradze (Beziers, France)
11 Lekso Machkhaneli (Agen, France)
12 Revaz Gigauri (Massy, France)
13. Davit Kacharava (Enisei-STM, France)
14 Aleksander Todua (Lelo)
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France)

Reserves: 16 David Dadunashvili, 17 Vasil Kakovin, 18 Kakhaver Uchava,  19 Zviad Maisuradze, 20. George Elizbarashvili, 21 Lekso Gugava, 22. Teimuraz Sokhadze

Argentine players' futures for next season and beyond

Argentina's first choice scrum half Nicolás Vergallo who hasn't fallen to fourth choice scrum half behind Luke Burgess, Jean-Marc Doussain and Nicolas Bézy, is rumoured to be joining Agen next season. Agen's scrum half Maxime Machenaud who has been one of the revelations of this season and a key part to their success for the first half of it, has confirmed he will leave at the end of the season and it is highly expected to be for Racing-Métro, where Nicolas Durand hasn't settled like he did at Perpignan and Mathieu Lorée is simply not very good.

Horacio Agulla to be released despite
avery good season so far for Leicester

Unfortunately for Gabriel Ascárate, Bayonne have decided against signing him after his trial with the Basque side. Ascárate nearly signed for Lyon before the season, and now has been turned down by Bayonne, hopefully he will prove those sides wrong some time in the future, for now though this means he will probably play with the Pampas XV this year.

Meanwhile despite having some success during his stint at Toulon, Leonardo Senatore will not be retained when Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe returns from injury. Senatore is first Argentine to be let go by his club due to Argentina's involvement in the Rugby Championship (4 Nations), that will see Pumas players unavailable until mid October and then again during November. Thus only indispensable world class players such as Fernández Lobbe, Roncero and Ayerza and players with little hope of a call up such as Francisco Gómez Kodela have been given contract extensions beyond this season so far. The futures for many Argentines is still to be decided.

The second player to not have his contract not renewed is Horacio Agulla, who is being released by Leicester despite having a good season. Other players such as Ignacio Mieres and Juan Imhoff also have unconfirmed futures. And more Pumas are expected to be effected by this.

Juan Martín Hernández could pave the way for Argentines
to play in Super Rugby in 2013?

Meanwhile Juan Martín Hernández, currently nursing a minor injury that will keep him out for a week or two, is at the end of his contract this June and according to Midi Olympique has interest coming from Super Rugby side the Blues who are based in Auckland. If this move is true then hopefully it would pave a way for more Argentines to play Super Rugby. The sides in that tournament hasn't always signed many foreigners in the past, but hopefully for the good of Argentine rugby that will change. Racing-Métro have said they won't recruit Argentines any more, although Hernández has not had a particularly special stint with Racing, surely they would be mad to let their star player Juan Imhoff go.

The nightmare scenario would be for Argentines to start retiring from international rugby young in order to protect their European contracts. If the Super Rugby sides don't sign players next season, then some players will be playing a lower standard of domestic rugby in Argentina on less pay and retiring from the Pumas could enter their minds.

Could Racing let their star Juan Imhoff
leave at the end of the season

The ideal scenario would be for all the Pumas squad and those on the fringes to be playing a high level of professional rugby, so the Super Rugby sides shouldn't just be looking at a star with world class pedigree like Hernández, hopefully they will look at players like Ignacio Mieres, Leonardo Senatore or Mariano Galarza, but at least "El Mago" would be a start.

There are rumours of Argentine teams being added to the Super Rugby tournament at some point, which would help players released from European clubs immensely, but that then makes an already tricky tournament to run and even more logistically difficult. Though, that shouldn't mean involving Argentine sides should be ignored. The UAR must handle this situation correctly or the national side will be weakened.