Uruguay ensured their place at the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2017 with a 23-13 win over hosts Chile in the final of the South American U19 Championship in Santiago.
Los Teritos brushed Paraguay aside 92-0 in their opening game before seeing off Brazil 37-25 to set up a showdown with fellow unbeaten rivals Chile.
Buoyed by the home support at the Old Grangonian Club, Chile gave Uruguay their toughest assignment in the tournament finale but they were always chasing the game after trailing 17-0 at the break.
Chile came out firing and with the strong wind now in their favour, they clawed the deficit back to five points before Los Teritos confirmed victory with a fourth try.
Brazil took third place after a 29-13 win against Paraguay.
Uruguay, winners of the inaugural U20 Trophy in 2008, are the third nation to confirm their place at next year’s tournament.
Namibia qualified in August after beating Zimbabwe 42-29 to win the Rugby Africa U19 Championship, while Japan drop down to the second tier of age-grade international rugby following their last place finish at World Rugby U20 Championship 2016.
Photo: Pressport.cl