With just ten weeks until the opening round of the 2016 Super Rugby season, the new Argentina-based franchise has been given a name and logo.
The general manager of Argentine Rugby Union, Greg Peters, announced on Thursday that Argentina’s offering to the Super Rugby competition will be called the Jaguares.
The Argentine franchise will be joined by Japan’s Sunwolves and South Africa’s Southern Kings to expand Super Rugby from 15 to 18 teams in 2016.
The Jaguares currently have 30 contracted players, all of whom are homegrown, including popular Los Pumas players Nicolas Sanchez and Juan Martin Hernandez. That list will be expanded to 45 before the Jaguares’ opening match, against the Cheetahs, on February 27.
Speaking at the announcement, president of the UAR Carlos Araujo said, “The day has finally come and we are very happy. The franchise – the Jaguares – and the tournament, of which many of us have dreamt so much and for so long, it has today, formally and officially, come true.
“It has also been the result of a strategic plan that has taken a long time to develop and kick off. Today, in the initiation of the Jaguares and on their presentation day, I can only find words of appreciation to refer to the Argentine Rugby, our amateur rugby – the foundation of everything – where we come from and for which we have worked so much.”
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks for sharing. Will be interesting to see how they fair with the travel, considering how good the team is.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Sorry Will but just asking... like how would you know that??
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Buggering sunwolves is a good way to get bitten.
Peter Hughes
Roar Rookie
Great news Buena suerte a la los Jaquares
marcel
Guest
Always great to see sport expanding the cultural narrative....when I was a kid Japan and Argentina may as well have been on the moon.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Jaguares - Me gusta muchísimo!!
EastsFootyFan
Roar Guru
Great looking side and great looking logo. Look forward to seeing them in action.
Eddard
Roar Guru
Sorry I thought it was going to be called 'Americas 6 Nations'
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
he means the Americas Rugby Championship
Machpants
Roar Guru
Bugger the Sunwolves and the Kings, 'cos they'll both be a joke unless things change very fast for them!
Digby
Roar Guru
Very strong side, exciting. However, assuming this will also be the bulk of the national squad, does it in turn devalue the RC? Am still of the view Argentina should of had two sides, bugger the Sunwolves just quietly but that is just me.
Nobrain
Guest
23 players that went the RWC are in the franchise so far. Galarza, Bosch, Fernandez Lobbe, Ayerza, Figallo, Agulla,and few others will not play for the franchise or Pumas. Gonzalez Amorosino is in medical joker for Munster and has not signed yet.Cubelli will play for Brumbies but he still be available to play for The Pumas.
Nobrain
Guest
23 players that went the RWC are in the franchise so far. Galarza, Bosch, Fernandez Lobbe, Ayerza, Figallo, Agulla,and few others will not play for the franchise or Pumas. Gonzalez Amorosino is in medical joker for Munster and has not signed yet.
Nobrain
Guest
6 nations?
Eddard
Roar Guru
Will they still play as the Pumas in the 6 Nations? (I know they'll essentially be Argentina XV, but I was under the impression they'd be capped test matches).
Eddard
Roar Guru
It's very close to the same team that came 4th at the world cup. If they don't make the playoffs in super rugby it'll be a disappointing season for them.
Machpants
Roar Guru
OK thanks, probably wouldn't have been a problem before the must play in SR to be a Puma. It'll be interesting to see how it works, 'cos that is one good looking team!
Nobrain
Guest
They will use a mix of B team and some Jaguares, the same way they did when they play the Pacific cup and the RCH.
Machpants
Roar Guru
What is going to happen during the American 'six nations'? Do Argentina normally field Argentina B? Cos either Los Pumas or Los Jaguares are going to be missing some front line players!
Nobrain
Guest
Yes, but also with NZ teams.