The Up and Under is a weekly feature on Americas Rugby News. It takes a look at the highs and the lows involving the Americas during the past week.   UP South American 4 Nations Locked in for August The 2023 South American 4 Nations is coming in August. Brazil, …

Player recruitment continues. Recent transfers have seen Argentine players joining a range of teams in a variety of professional leagues. There have also been moves in North America to sign Uruguayans for Major League Rugby (MLR). Italian side the Rangers Vicenza has recruited two Argentines. Flanker Conrado Roura departs the …

Canada made it a clean sweep in their women’s under-23 series against the USA at Veterans Memorial Satadium in Quincy on Sunday afternoon. Another dominant display from their forward pack set the stage for a convincing 55-14 victory, contributing to a 24-5 score on aggregate in the ‘Border Battle’. As …

Spain and Uruguay played out a thriller on Sunday. The u20 teams competed in what was an excellent game of rugby to contest the 2023 Junior World Trophy Final. In a match with the lead changing hands, Spain finished as 39-32 winners. The win for Spain represents more than just …

The USA ended their Junior World Trophy campaign on a high. Following a disappointing run of results against Uruguay, Zimbabwe and Scotland, the u20’s Eagles sprang to life with a big win over Hong Kong. The USA’s 47-22 win sees the North Americans handing Hong Kong the wooden spoon. Hayden …

It is all eyes on the Rugby World Cup in South America. Uruguay and Chile clashed in Montevideo in the first warm-up match for both countries. The competitive match was won by a single point by the home side. The 26-25 result gives both Los Teros and Los Cóndores plenty …

Namibia’s on-field road to Rugby World Cup 2023 began on Saturday in Montevideo. The Welwitschias faced the Argentina XV in a non-capped international. It was the second best African test team facing the Argentine next-of-XV. There was plenty to play for for both teams. Namibia needs to prepare for the …

South Africa edged Argentina in a brutal contest on Saturday. The Springboks were 22-21 winners in a match in which Argentina missed three kicks at goal and was on top in the second-half.  The teams put on match of note. Both teams played elite-level rugby. There is reason to suggest …

The Miami Sharks are poised to sign three of the top players from Super Rugby Americas, according to Ignacio Chans’ latest column in El Observador. Openside flanker Manuel Ardao, flyhalf Felipe Etcheverry, and outside center or scrumhalf Tomás Inciarte have initial agreements to join the newest team in Major League …

Major League Rugby held an expansion draft this past week to help populate the roster of the newest franchise – the Miami Sharks. Beginning play in the 2024 season, the Sharks will look to be competitive right out of the gate with several notables among the list of 25 players …

Pumas lacking game time face a nervous wait ahead of the World Cup announcement. All teams will have 33-men rosters. Michael Cheika’s selections and non-selections provide notable insight into his intentions for the World Cup in France. The final round Rugby Championship match is Argentina’s final road match before finalizing …

The collapse of London Irish meant Ignacio Ruiz was left without a club. The Argentine hooker will move from the English Premiership to the Top 14. He will play for Perpignan in the French elite league. London Irish have seen players moving on. Pumas movement has seen Creevy having signed …

A new look will be on display in Montevideo on Saturday. Uruguay and Chile meet in a first-ever Rugby World Cup warm-up. Uruguay has competed at four previous Rugby World Cups with RWC 2019 being Los Teros’ fifth. Chile will make their debut at a Rugby World Cup this year. …

Namibia kick-off their South American in Montevideo tour on Saturday. The Welwitschias take on the Argentina XV at the neutral venue of the Estadio Charrúa. The non-capped fixture will be a tough assignment for Africa’s second best test team. The Argentina XV features played who play their rugby all over …

World Champions South Africa have their farewell home match before the World Cup. The Springboks play host to Argentina in Johannesburg. The match is a third, and final, round fixture of the 2023 Rugby Championship. South Africa go in to the match looking for answers. The Springboks were impressive winners …

Santiago Grondona has secured his professional playing future. The Puma has signed for the Bristol Bears. It marks a return to England. Grondona played for the Exeter Chiefs before transferring to play for Pau in the Top 14 in early 2023. Grondona made eight appearances for Pau, scoring two tries. …

Rodrigo Martínez is returning to the UK from Argentina. The Puma left the defunct English Premiership club the Wasps to play Super Rugby Americas for Los Pampas. He has now secured his playing future at the Dragons in East Wales. Martínez will play in the United Rugby Championship (URC) for …

Canada overpowered the USA at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, earning a 24-5 victory in the first match of their women’s under-23 series. A swarming defense and well-drilled forward pack proved the difference for the visitors who came within seconds of securing a shutout. The USA turned down an early …

Major League Rugby will be well represented when New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship kicks off next weekend. An impressive 45 players who took part in the 2023 season will be suiting in the competition that runs through October, with another 17 former MLR players involved. The largest contingent, perhaps predictably, …

The 2023 South American 4 Nations is coming in August. Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Paraguay will compete in the tournament. All teams will face every other, thereby playing three matches each. The tournament will take place at the home of Paraguayan rugby, the Estadio Héroes de Curupayty in Asunción. Brazil, …