Rugby in Argentina is one of the local’s favorite sports but that begs the question: How did this demanding and one of the most physical sports become the country’s favorite game?
The Rugby Union became a popular team sport which led to participating in well known Rugby World Cup.
Here is a quick look at rugby’s history, reasons for its popularity, and what makes it special in Argentina.
The Old Days of Rugby in Argentina
The first attempts at rugby in Argentina began during the 1870s.
Rugby was brought into the country by British immigrants who traveled to the state to work and live there.
The first official rugby match within the country occurred in 1873.
By this time, rugby was mainly being played by the British community; locals started playing their participation in the sport several decades later.
As the years passed, more Argentine players started playing rugby, and the game became increasingly popular.
Though rugby was originally considered a sport for the upper and middle classes, it eventually became open to all who wanted to play it.
Nowadays, rugby in Argentina is represented equally by people from different backgrounds.
Why Rugby in Argentina is Popular
There are a few reasons why rugby became so popular in Argentina:
British Influence
The game was introduced to them by the British settlers who came to Argentina and formed rugby clubs to popularize the sport.
In due time, the locals took an interest in rugby and started forming their sets of teams.
The success of the National Team
The success of the Argentine national rugby team, Pumas-has contributed a lot toward its popularity in the country.
The Pumas have competed several times in the Rugby World Cup and are considered one of the top teams in the World.
Their very positive performances in the global arena have influenced many young people in Argentina to take up the sport.
Rugby Clubs and Tradition
The rugby clubs in Argentina are a site for fostering rugby.
Some of the oldest clubs were founded by settlers from Britain, while today, there are more than 80 rugby clubs in Buenos Aires alone.
These clubs give opportunities for people not only to learn but also to make new friends and participate in the rugby tradition of that country.
Rugby in Buenos Aires and Tucumán
The most famous rugby regions are Buenos Aires and Tucumán.
Buenos Aires
The capital is the home of more than 80 rugby clubs, proving that it is the epicenter of rugby in Argentina.
Most of the country’s top players come from this area because Buenos Aires maintains a great tradition regarding rugby.
Young players can develop their skills in one of the clubs of Buenos Aires, where competitive matches host great crowds of fans.
Tucumán
Although Buenos Aires is usually considered the rugby gateway of Argentina, Tucumán is something of a parallel world, regarding this sport.
Tucumán has given the country quite a few of its best players.
The city itself is very culturally into rugby; that is, the people of Tucumán have embraced rugby as their own.
From here they can participate in many matches in this region, which has a good community of Rugby players.
The Pumas: The National Rugby Team of Argentina
One of the main reasons rugby is such a popular sport in Argentina is the success enjoyed by the national side, known as the Pumas.
The Pumas have been competing in international rugby since 1910 and are reputed to be a complex, physical side.
They have enjoyed many great moments on the world stage, including finishing third at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
The Pumas are considered a “Tier One” nation by World Rugby-finding themselves among the top rugby teams in the World.
The Pumas’ success in international competitions has helped boost rugby’s popularity in Argentina.
When the Pumas perform well, many young men get inspired and take up rugby, thus further growing the sport.
Argentina Rugby as National Identity
Rugby to Argentina means nothing else but part of the nation.
Of course, football is still one of the most popular sports in this country, but rugby occupies a unique place in the hearts of many Argentinians.
Rugby is a sport that teaches Argentinians highly regarded values like teamwork, discipline, respect, and hard work.
For many Argentinians, rugby is much more than a sport because of the pride that comes with what the Pumas represent, combined with the great tradition of clubs.
Rugby is a way of life in which people come together to play, coach, or just stand on the sidelines and cheer.
What is so Unique About Rugby in Argentina?
Rugby in Argentina is peculiar to other countries for several reasons:
- Physicality: The Argentine rugby teams are typically associated with a physically demanding style of play.
- Passion: Argentinian rugby followers show extraordinary passion for the game. They go wild during a match.
- Cultural diversity: Rugby was seen, for a long time, as a sport for the ruling class. Nowadays, it has grown to all classes within society. Rugbiers come from all life statuses in Argentina, and rugby is considered one of the most permissive sports.
How Rugby Helps Develop Skills
Rugby in Argentina is not only about winning games; it is also about helping the squad members develop life skills.
- Team spirit: Rugby is a team sport; it teaches its players how to work as a team for a single goal.
- Discipline: Rugby is a highly disciplined game requiring loads of attention.
- Leadership: The rugby sport aligns with the concept of leadership that make them develop decisions and direct their colleagues within a game.
Rugby in Argentina: The Future
The future of rugby is bright in Argentina.
More and more young people are taking up the sport, and participation levels are edging toward what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rugby keeps growing, and with the Pumas representing them on the international stage, interest in the game will only increase.
This will be further enhanced by including the Rugby World Cup, among other international tournaments, which will afford future rugby players more opportunities.
It is an exciting time for rugby fans in the country, and the sport is bound to grow even more in the coming years.
Conclusion
So, why does Argentina play rugby? Rugby is part of their culture, identity, and pride.
Rugby in Argentina has grown from a sport played by British settlers to a national pastime embraced by people from all walks of life.
A strong rugby tradition and enthusiasm because of the success of the Pumas mean that rugby is set to remain one of the most popular sports in Argentina for many years to come.
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