The Argentina XV will be confident of a repeat as champions at the Americas Pacific Challenge in Montevideo after confirming a powerful 28-man roster. Included are eight players with senior test caps and many of the players who lifted the Sudamérica Rugby Cup. Leading the charge will be workhorse flanker …

This week we had a fine game in Colonia to provide some options as Uruguay very nearly got the best of the Argentina XV in the Sudamérica Rugby Cup final. The senior Pumas were no match for New Zealand and contribute only two players, while a handful of others come …

Guido Petti has been ruled out of facing Australia. The second-rower was injured in the final minute of Argentina’s home match against New Zealand this past Saturday. The injury has been diagnosed as a clavicular acromion sprain. Petti was unable to train with the side in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. In …

Australian Assistant Coach Stephen Larkham has said the “Wallabies aren’t underestimating Pumas.” The Rugby World Cup 1999 champion insists that the South Americans’ world ranking is not a reflection of how good they are. Center Samu Kerevi notes that “Argentina have been playing pretty well.” He points out that while …

On Saturday Tomás Lavanini set a new Pumas record for the most number of yellow cards. His first half yellow carding against New Zealand brought his overall record to 6 for Argentina. No Pumas player has received more temporary suspensions in history. The concerning high number of yellow cards comes …

Tonga have sent 28 players as part of their national ‘A’ squad to take part in the Americas Pacific Challenge in Montevideo. Coaching the team is former Ikale Tahi lock Isi Fatani, a 1999 World Cup veteran. Hooker Sione Lolohea will continue his role as captain. This will be Tonga’s …

The 2017 Rugby Championship has not gone well for Argentina. The scrum frailties and discipline have been well documented. What has not is the horrendous defense with Daniel Hourcade’s side being one try away from a record. With one match left to play Argentina have conceded 26 tries in the …

Tony Healy and Phil Mack are headed to Major League Rugby. The Canadian duo led the BC Bears to MacTier Cup glory in the Canadian Rugby Championship earlier this year in their first season in charge. They will now reprise their roles south of the border with Tony Healy taking …

Samoa will send a young ‘A’ team with very little international experience to Montevideo to take part in the Americas Pacific Challenge. The squad is comprised entirely of domestic-based players coming from a new regional tournament dubbed the Super 9, which replaced the old national provincial competition. It’s an important …

There are now two years to go until the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan and while a lot can happen in that time, narrowing down squad selection will already be on the minds of international selectors with a finite number of elite level games available to fine tune and …

Up and Under is a weekly feature on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week. UP Uruguay Los Teros lot but were extremely close, falling in the final play of the game against the Argentina XV. This would …

Gary Gold has been recruited as USA Head Coach, USA Rugby has confirmed. The South African will take charge of the Men’s Eagles, joining from Aviva Premiership club the Worcester Warriors. Gold takes up the position on the back of a vast coaching career covering almost two decades. His first …

Gonzalo Bertranou has been called-up by Argentina. He replaces Tomás Cubelli who suffered a fractured 5th vertebrae against New Zealand on Saturday. It is a first ever opportunity for Bertranou to play in a Rugby Championship match. From Los Tordos club in Mendoza, Bertranou is literally going straight from club …

Juan Pablo Socino sliced open London Irish on Friday. The Argentine international scored the opening try for the Newcastle Falcons in their 29-17 home victory. So impressive has the Falcons’ start to the season been that the club is tied for top spot. This represents the best start to an …

USA Eagles Great, Chris Wyles scored a double to help Saracens down Worcester on Friday. The former USA captain played the match on the left wing, scoring tries on both wings and in both halves. The fixture was an away match for Saracens. The 2017 European Champions Cup winners have …

AJ MacGinty was prominent as the Sale Sharks demolished Gloucester on Friday. The 57-10 win Sale’s biggest in the Aviva Premiership in fourteen years. As a result, the Sale Sharks gained five competition points and occupy 7th position in the Aviva Premiership. Gloucester are not so fortunate, sitting in 10th …

Proyecto Alcatraz have been crowned champions of Venezuela. The club won the 2017 national club championship, downing Los Tigres de Cabimas 30-18 in the final. Played at the Hacienda Santa Teresa, Estadio Aragua Proyecto Alcatraz underlined their status as Venezuela~s best as the completed a treble. The club won the …

Benjamín Urdapilleta stated for Castres today. The Tarns completed a 29-23 home win over 2017 champions Clermont. The former Puma was at the forefront of Castres’ win, scoring 19 points. Back to his best, Urdapilleta stood up today. The 31-year-old was calm and collected, winning the match for his club. …

Argentina’s preparation for the final Rugby Championship fixture has started badly. Before the team begins officially training they must wait on the availability of three starters from Saturday’s match against New Zealand. Tomás Cubelli will not play while Guido Petti and Nicolás Sánchez are both in doubt to face Australia. …

Rosario flier Juan Imhoff scored in Racing 92’s home defeat against Lyon on Saturday. Playing out of position at fullback, the 35-time capped Puma scored a 58th minute try. The score came with Lyon holding a 10 point lead. It was not sufficient for Racing 92 to stop the visitors …