photo credit: Dave Lintott / Jaguares

Jaguares to play in Súper Liga Americana de Rugby

Los Jaguares are to play in the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR). The team will do so as the Jaguares XV, thus replicating the team that competed in the 2019 Currie Cup First Division. The team is not an addition to SLAR, but a replacement. The move means that Los Ceibos are out.

The UAR made the decision to replace Los Ceibos with Los Jaguares XV. It means that the recognized brand will compete in SLAR following South Africa’s move from Super Rugby to the Pro 16.

The Jaguares XV were unbeaten in the 2019 Currie Cup First Division. The UAR was on record as seeking a competition for Los Jaguares in 2021. With nowhere to go the decision has been made to play in this year’s SLAR competition.

The decision comes with controversy. Los Ceibos have a longterm contract with SLAR until 2026. In October 2020 Los Ceibos CEO, Fernando Riccomi said that there was an intention to have two Argentine SLAR teams.

Riccomis’s team were based in Córdoba. The 2021 season will be played from March through May. No matches will take place in Argentina. Plans are for two bubbles to be made and for the league matches to take place within them. They are to be in Santiago, Chile and Montevideo, Uruguay.

SLAR franchises are beginning their pre-season training shortly. Peñarol are to do so tomorrow while teams Selknam will on January 18. The same date has been noted as the official start for the Argentina team. As yet no player roster is available and the team’s identity has suddenly changed from Ceibos to the Jaguares XV.

About Americas Rugby News

Formally created in June 2015, this website's goal is to increase media exposure of the Tier 2 rugby nations, and create a hub with a focus on the stories of rugby in the Americas - North, Central and South.

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