How rugby union is 'booming' in football-mad Argentina

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Nations Championship highlights: Argentina 35-21 Wales By Alastair Telfer BBC Sport journalist Published 16 July 2026 Updated 9 minutes ago An inspired Lionel Messi was instrumental in in defeating England and help Argentina reach back-to-back World Cup finals. The Pumas, who host England this week, have also delivered regularly at Rugby World Cups, reaching three semi-finals over the past five tournaments. Head coach Felipe Contepomi played in the 2007 World Cup when Argentina reached the final four for the first time – a run that included wins over France, Ireland and Scotland. That success, followed by semi-final appearances in 2015 and 2023, helped increase rugby's popularity in a country dominated by football and Messi mania. "Amateur rugby here in Argentina is booming," Contepomi told BBC Sport. "It's very community-based rugby and the clubs are growing. We have more and more people every year. "It is not comparable with football because I always say rugby is a sport, football is a religion for an Argentinian. "The dimension is completely different. Even myself, I live for rugby, but football is still in my skin." Argentina v England Nations Championship Saturday 18 July, 20:10 BST kick-off Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estero Listen on Sounds Live on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app, with accompanying live text commentary Historically, most of Argentina's internationals have come through private schools in the country's rugby heartlands. Buenos Aires, where Contepomi and captain Julian Montoya were born, remains the biggest rugby hub, while Tucuman - not far from Saturday's venue in Santiago del Estero – is the only place where, according to Contepomi, "rugby is bigger than football". "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," said the former Leinster fly-half. "It is played in every corner of the country, not only in Buenos Aires but in every province." Argentina's World Cup success is even more remarkable given the country has no professional club team. The Jaguares competed in Super Rugby between 2016 and 2020 before folding because of financial problems. Since 2019, however, the semi-professional Super Rugby Americas has provided a pathway for emerging talent. One recent success story is Leicester Tigers back-row Joaquin Moro, who joined from Pampas XV and started last season's Prem semi-final in his debut campaign. "Super Rugby Americas is growing every year and I think that's a good pathway for developing professional habits and preparing players," Contepomi said. "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." Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Contepomi helped knock Ireland out of the 2007 World Cup, wh