South America’s stars of the future gathered in a cold and wet Montevideo this week to contest the region's U20 Championship in a training camp environment.

Players from host nation Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and Chile shared training sessions, attended an anti-doping seminar and conducted legacy activities, while the coaches swapped ideas and experiences in a spirit of collaboration.

At the request of Sudamerica Rugby, Los Jaguares’ coaching staff also gave a talk about the demands of Super Rugby.

The five-day get-together obviously had a competitive side, too, with each team playing two matches apiece, on Saturday and in midweek.

First round wins over Chile and Brazil respectively saw Argentina and Uruguay go on to contest the final, while the losers played off for the bronze medal.

Despite the poor conditions, Argentina and Uruguay produced an entertaining game and no shortage of tries at the Carrasco Polo Club, Los Pumitas racing into a 33-0 lead before winning 40-12.

Brazil’s U19 side made sure their 2,000km road trip was worthwhile, a first-ever win over Chile in age-grade international rugby ensuring them of third place and a more bearable journey back home to Sao Paulo. Brazil’s points in the 7-5 victory came from a David Muller try converted by Lucas Spago.

“I can’t describe the feeling. It was a very hard game, from start to finish with strong defence from both sides,” said Brazil captain Piero Pozzi. “The team that wanted it more on the day won.”

For Uruguay and Chile, the experiences of the last five days will have proved invaluable ahead of their participation in the World Rugby U20 Trophy, held in the same city from 29 August to 10 September, while for Argentina it is another step in the right direction as they build towards next year’s World Rugby U20 Championship.