Almost four years after the Jaguares played their last game of Super Rugby, the Argentine club is being considered as a potential replacement for the Rebels should the Melbourne franchise be forced into liquidation.
The Rebels are in a dire financial situation, having entered voluntary administration in January owing over $20 million in creditors and with just $17,300 in the bank.
The Super Rugby board will meet on Sunday in Melbourne and the Jaguares’ inclusion in the competition will form part of the discussion on the future of the competition.
The New Zealand Herald reported on Tuesday that Super Rugby chiefs could consider the inclusion of the Argentine side next year.
A source speaking on condition of anonymity with close knowledge of the discussions said that the Jaguares’ inclusion next year was unlikely given the short notice at which to form a squad and the financial situation to work out, but the option has not been written off. If it were to happen, their inclusion would be more likely in 2026.
The Jaguares celebrate a win over the Chiefs in 2018.Credit: Photosport
The Jaguares won 36 of their 72 matches in Super Rugby between 2016 and 2020, including a runners-up finish to the Crusaders in 2019, but their squad would need to be completely rebuilt as most of the players from their final season are now plying their trade overseas.
A major obstacle to the Jaguares’ return would be the increased logistical and financial demands on cash-strapped Australian clubs to fulfil regular fixtures in Argentina.
Currently, two Argentinean club sides, Los Pampas and Los Dogos, compete in the Super Rugby Americas competition which includes sides from the USA, Paraguay, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
In an interview with La Nacion last September, Argentina rugby president Gabriel Travaglini said that there had been an approach from Super Rugby for the Jaguares to return in 2026.
“We have the invitation, but it would be from 2026 because they have already closed the current one,” Travaglini said. “It is planned to set up a franchise. We have the commitment that they will receive us and that we will play home and away games.”
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh and his New Zealand counterpart Mark Robinson are currently in Dublin for World Rugby meetings. Robinson acknowledged that the Rebels’ financial issues have brought conversations forward regarding potential new teams in Super Rugby, especially given a new broadcast deal will start in 2026.
“Most of the work about the future shape of the competition in terms of number of teams and formats is focused on 2026 and the next media rights cycle,” Robinson told the Rugby Direct podcast shortly before departing for Dublin.
“Clearly the Rebels’ challenges have meant some of those conversations have been brought forward a little bit. We’re not 100 per cent sure around where the Rebels’ future sits, but it’s significantly challenged at the moment.
“It’s too early to say what the number of teams are going to be. We need to find out exactly where the Rebels are at and then work through the rest of the year.
“There’s lots of different conversations as it relates to South America; North America, Japan as potentially interested parties but we need a bit more detail on that before we can comment too much further.”
Meanwhile, the Waratahs face a nervous wait to discover whether star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will be passed fit to face the Crusaders in Melbourne on Saturday.
“He is having scans and receiving treatment, and we will give him until later in the week to prove his fitness,” Coach Darren Coleman said in a statement.
“We’re fortunate that Triston Reilly has successfully recovered from his ankle injury, and he will come into the starting side if Mark is unable to play.”
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off on February 23, with every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
