Lionel Messi just led Argentina to back-to-back World Cup finals, defeating England along the way, and you'd think that's all anyone in that football-mad country would be buzzing about, right? Think again. While football is a religion there, Argentina's rugby union scene, featuring the Pumas, is absolutely 'booming,' with the squad set to host England this week. They've been serious contenders in the Rugby World Cup, hitting three semi-finals in the last five tournaments.
The "Boom" Nobody Expected
Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi, who was on the squad that first made the semi-finals in 2007, told BBC Sport that "Amateur rugby here in Argentina is booming." That 2007 run included massive wins over France, Ireland, and Scotland, and with follow-up semi-final appearances in 2015 and 2023, the sport's popularity has clearly surged. Contepomi noted the sport is "very community-based" and "the clubs are growing. We have more and more people every year." He's quick to point out that it's "not comparable with football because I always say rugby is a sport, football is a religion for an Argentinian," but the growth is undeniable. Historically, most international players came from private schools in the rugby heartlands, with Buenos Aires still the biggest hub. However, the game has expanded beyond its traditional base. "The good thing is that rugby started in Argentina among the middle class and upper middle class, but now it's played in every social class," Contepomi said, adding it's played "in every corner of the country, not only in Buenos Aires but in every province."The Professional Pathway That Isn't There
Here's the kicker: Argentina's incredible World Cup success comes despite the country having NO professional club team. The Jaguares tried it in Super Rugby from 2016-2020 but folded due to financial problems. Since 2019, however, the semi-professional Super Rugby Americas has stepped up, providing a critical pathway for new talent. "Super Rugby Americas is growing every year and I think that's a good pathway for developing professional habits and preparing players," Contepomi explained. He highlighted that in the "last two years I think we've had around 20 players come through those franchises and go on to play for the Pumas." Guys like Leicester Tigers back-row Joaquin Moro, who joined from Pampas XV and started a Prem semi-final in his debut campaign last season, are proof it's working. Currently ranked seventh in the world, the Pumas aim for "excellence, consistency and resilience," words Contepomi uses to describe Messi's influence. They were outclassed by Scotland in their Nations Championship opener despite beating them last November. But a much-improved performance against Wales sets them up for their final game of this block against England. Keep an eye on them; this team, which beat New Zealand and Australia in last year's Rugby Championship, battles logistical challenges with squad players across both hemispheres. They only had three training sessions before that Scotland loss, but as Contepomi puts it, "Those are our challenges and that's our reality. We don't use it as an excuse."This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.