The Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR) and Chile Rugby have agreed terms of collaboration after meetings held in Buenos Aires between representatives from both unions and Sudamérica Rugby, who acted as facilitator.

“We have been working with Chile Rugby to help them to continue growing and searching what is best for them,” explained Sudamérica Rugby Chairman Marcelo Rodríguez. “In doing so we arranged for them to talk with the UAR and it is clear these were positive meetings.”

Rodríguez and Sudamérica Rugby Secretary Victor Luaces offered their strategic vision of a region united and growing.

Unión Argentina de Rugby President Carlos Araujo and Council Members Carlos Barbieri and Andrés Chavanne hosted Chile Rugby’s President Jorge Araya, who flew in from Santiago.

Argentina offered to help on technical and logistical issues and soon after the officials met, Los Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade and Director of Rugby Diego Manson talked with Araya to iron out details and work on guidelines to pursue this support.

An analysis of amateur and elite rugby in Chile will help establish work guidelines. The UAR already collaborates with Uruguay, Paraguay and Peru and Chile coaches will also be able to learn from their counterparts in an integration process.

Working together for regional growth

There was also a general consensus on the need to implement a medium and long-term coaching and development plan.

“The fruits of this integration will be seen over the years, there are no short-term magical solutions,” admitted Rodríguez. “This is huge step towards the future of Chilean rugby and it is very important and positive that Argentine rugby is willing to assist.”

Araya added: “This is a great opportunity for us to grow and develop our game, our organisation and structures as World Rugby is requesting, in line with the modern game. It will give us the chance to work and learn from a tier one nation.

“I want to thank Marcelo Rodríguez and Victor Luaces for facilitating these meetings with Carlos Araujo and his team. I hope that we can work together for the growth of rugby in my country.”

Araujo added: “We are proud to assist and help the growth and development of rugby in the region. In doing so, being able to help Chile is a huge responsibility we are willing to take. We want a strong Sudamérica Rugby and we must keep the momentum generated by the Americas Rugby Championship.”

Chile, who finished bottom of the Americas Rugby Championship 2017 standings after five defeats, have 11,977 registered players which is behind only Argentina (105,151) and Brazil (16,659) in the Sudamérica Rugby region. Chile currently sit 30th in the World Rugby Rankings.