Mexico pushed Colombia all the way and could have snatched victory had a late try not been disallowed, but, buoyed by the partisan home support, the hosts held on to win 23-19. Earlier wins over Venezuela (26-10) and Peru (39-9) had set them on their way to successfully defending the title they'd won in Peru 12 months earlier.

The Tucanes will now take on Paraguay in next year's play-off match to decide who will compete in the elite A competition alongside Uruguay, the reigning South American U19 A champions, Brazil and Chile.

The South American U18 B Championship helped Colombian rugby build on the increased profile given to the sport by the women’s sevens team's achievement in reaching Rio 2016.

Crowds in excess of 4,000 attended each of the Tucanes’ games at the Federico Serrano Soto Stadium despite the sweltering heat in Riohacha Guajira, and the tournament was deemed a success on many levels.

“One of the outstanding aspects was the legacy programmes which saw the four teams working hard to take the game throughout the city and even into the rancherías, where the local aboriginals live,” said Alberto Ruiz de Luque, Development Manager for Sudamérica Rugby. These programmes leave outstanding memories for all those involved.

There were also refereeing, coaching and strength and conditioning courses during the week-long event.

“It was a great tournament, very well organised which left everybody happy with the standard of play,” added Ruiz de Luque. “It must be said that refereeing was also very good throughout the tournament which certainly helped the teams in such a developmental stage.”

South American U18 B Championship results

First Round
Mexico 61-0 Peru
Colombia 26-10 Venezuela

Second Round
Venezuela 19-12 Mexico
Colombia 39-9 Peru 9

Third Round
Venezuela 55-0 Peru
Colombia 24-19 Mexico

Final standings:

1. Colombia
2. Venezuela
3. Mexico
4. Peru

Meanwhile, Namibia won the Rugby Africa Under-19 A Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, after beating the host nation 34-32 in the final. Kenya had to settle for third place while Uganda were relegated to Division B after finishing last. Their place in the elite competition will be taken by Tunisia, who claimed the Under-19 B title on home soil after a 13-3 win against Senegal. Madagascar finished third with Morocco propping up the table.