Daniel Hourcade, who coached Argentina to fourth place at Rugby World Cup 2015, joins Sudamérica Rugby to run high performance in a region that has seen continual growth and participation through all age grades.

The recently departed coach of Los Pumas will take a lead on the forward planning and structure for the 16 member unions and federations that fall under the Sudamérica Rugby umbrella.

Hourcade has extensive international experience in his time with Argentina as coach of the U21s, sevens, Argentina XV and Los Pumas, from 2013 to his departure in June 2018, enjoying notable victories along the way, while in Portugal he worked with the sevens and 15s national teams, including qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2007.

At the start of the millennium, he also led the successful Pampas XV, a team that was crucial in producing the changes that took Argentine rugby to new heights.

Sebastián Piñeyrúa, President of Sudamérica Rugby, said: "He has done a stellar job in the last few years, creating the pool of players that allowed the Unión Argentina de Rugby to face first-class competitions.

“We need to have better coaches and players in every union in the region to ensure their national teams are stronger and through planning and competition to be more competitive. That will be the big challenge for Daniel, but we trust in his human and professional abilities to achieve these goals." 

Hourcade starts this Monday in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he will meet with the staff of Brazil Rugby. Initially, he will visit Chile (15 August) and Paraguay (20 August) to understand the needs of these countries and start to formulate the necessary strategies for high performance in each union.

“It is a pleasure to join Sudamérica Rugby, a region so willing to grow and with such a positive future. To be able to share all that I've learnt in the game is a joy," said Hourcade. 

“I believe that amongst all of us we will contribute to the growth of the game in the region."