Jaguares - Argentina's first Super Rugby franchise
Updated | By UAR/SANZAR
The Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR) held a press conference today in which the Jaguares were presented as the official Argentine franchise that will compete in Super Rugby from 2016.
Not only was the name of the franchise unveiled, but also its institutional images, communications platforms, jerseys, team management, captain and complete squad which will commence training from January 4, 2016. Furthermore, Vélez Sarsfield was confirmed as stadium where the Jaguares will be playing their home matches in Buenos Aires.
“The day has finally come and we are very happy. The franchise - the
Jaguares - and the tournament, of which many of us have dreamt so much and for
so long, it has today, formally and officially, come true," said Carlos Araujo, President of the UAR.
"It has also been the result of a strategic plan that has taken a long
time to develop and kick off. Today, in the initiation of the Jaguares and on
their presentation day, I can only find words of appreciation to refer to the
Argentine Rugby, our amateur rugby - the foundation of everything - where we
come from and for which we have worked so much. This has been a fervent pillar
supporting this dream which has joined us with expectations and the same
eagerness we have all had to make, from now on, #JaguaresEnSuperRugby come
true," he added.
The Jaguares will be led by head coach Raúl Pérez and
captain Agustín Creevy.
“It gives me great happiness for us all to
have this possibility ahead. I also understand that I will have, among my
duties, to manage UAR resources, including the exceptional players who will be
part of this franchise joining together in the best club competition in the
world," Pérez, who hails from Rosario, said.
"My responsibility and senses are fully focused on what is coming. That is
my job and we, the staff, are well aware that there is a giant challenge ahead
that has two major aspects. On the one hand, there is great experience to be
achieved by everyone involved, which is central in our first season in Super
Rugby; a great experience that not take us by surprise. And on the other hand,
there is the adaptation, not only in rugby performance terms, but also in
regard to travelling, rest and player management, which shall also be a
crucial, fundamental and key issue. As to the game, Super Rugby provides a scenario to be more risky in
attack. The focus will be, as it happens to be with all the teams in this
competition, on the greater willingness to keep and use the ball. We have top level players who have demonstrated that taking those risks
with the ball is possible and that the margin we have to keep on improving as
to these aspects makes us very optimistic," he said.
Creevy admitted that being able to play in Super Rugby fulfilled a life long ambition.
"To me, it is a dream. Not only because it involves playing in
the best championship in the world, but also because it means to be in
Argentina, to live and play in my country, to be near my club. That is
amazing and very rewarding," the captain said.
"In relation to the Jaguares, it is a historical event having a
professional Argentine team in a tournament such as this, in which the best
rugby in the world is played. I still think about it in those terms today
and it touches me deeply. It will help us not only to become a more unified
team, but also to provide the group with continuity. We will now have the
chance to keep on growing as individuals, to get to know each other much better
as to the game and to become a better team as a whole. Being captain is and represents a great honour. It is very important to
me at personal level, very gratifying, very nice and I hope to honour the
title. I would like to thank the coaches for their support and the players as
well. Let us hope to enjoy a great year, one of important growth for the
Argentine Rugby. With the Jaguares in the Super Rugby, I have no doubt that the sport is
set to become even more popular. Reaching more a greater audience that rugby
will be in contact with a larger public and, at the same time, become more
appealing to potential players," Creevy concluded.
The Jaguares first Super Rugby clash will be against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Twitter - @gazza_jenks @ECRSportswave @SportswaveAndre
Facebook - ECRSportswave
Image Credit - Gallo Images
Show's Stories
-
Three kid-friendly activities for mid-month that cost under R100
Mid-month blues don't have to leave you bored. Here are some fun things ...
Danny Guselli 11 minutes ago -
Uncle takes Tyla's 'Water Challenge' very seriously
This uncle was the main event at his family's get-together and he wasn't...
Carol Ofori 11 minutes ago