Jaguares left with no place to go

Less than a year since reaching the Super Rugby final, Argentina’s Jaguares face the risk of collapsing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It was 11 months ago that the only Argentine side playing in the Southern Hemisphere’s premier franchise competition fell at the final hurdle, beaten 19-3 by perennial winners the Crusaders in New Zealand.

But with the 2020 season now abandoned due to travel restrictions imposed by the global virus outbreak, the Jaguares’ very existence is in doubt.

While New Zealand and Australia are preparing to launch domestic Super Rugby tournaments after many of their coronavirus containment measures were lifted, Argentina is still under lockdown.

And the Jaguares don’t have the possibility of taking part in a domestic competition, even when the lockdown is eventually lifted.

Their only hope of competition would be to join an eventual South African domestic competition, but that would undoubtedly prove costly, particularly given the reduced income from being forced to play in empty stadiums.

“The New Zealand teams will play in New Zealand, the Australians in Australia and the South Africans in South Africa,” said Jaguares captain Jeronimo de la Fuente.

“The Jaguares are left a bit isolated and we’re waiting to see if we get invited to another competition. It would be difficult but it’s also a possibility.”

Argentina’s rugby union has even paved the way for Jaguares players to join foreign sides to allow them to maintain their match fitness.

Wing Emiliano Boffelli has received offers from Paris and English clubs, as have hooker Julian Montoya and centre De la Fuente, while Stade Francais are also rumoured to be interested in second row Guido Petti.

Coach Gonzalo Quesada has also confirmed his time has come to an end with the Jaguares, signing to take over at Stade Francais.

Six players, including De la Fuente, will be out of contract at the end of the year anyway.