Historic for the Yaguaretés: The First Step in the World Seven Championship Circuit
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Argentina's women's rugby sevens team, the Yaguaretés, made their debut in the elite SVNS World Championship.
- Despite a 29-14 loss to France in their opening match, the team showed resilience and scored two tries.
- The Yaguaretés have shown remarkable progress in 2026, winning the South American Championship and earning promotion to the top tier of the sevens circuit.
The Yaguaretés, Argentina's formidable women's rugby sevens team, have officially stepped onto the world stage, marking a historic debut in the elite SVNS World Championship in Hong Kong. This achievement represents a significant leap forward for women's rugby in Argentina, a journey that has seen the team rise through the ranks with determination and grit throughout 2026. Their progression from the SVNS 3 in Dubai to securing promotion in the SVNS 2, culminating in a championship win in Nairobi and Montevideo, is a testament to their dedication.
I must confess that the team gave more than I expected.
In their inaugural match against France, a seasoned European powerhouse, the Yaguaretés faced a tough challenge. While the final score read 29-14 in favor of France, the Argentine team demonstrated flashes of brilliance and fighting spirit. Sofía González, a veteran and symbol of Argentine women's rugby, scored a crucial try, followed by another from Josefina Padellaro, the team's only player based abroad. These moments highlight the team's potential, even against top-tier competition.
We know that there can be frustrating moments because there are more competitive teams. We will do everything possible to rise to this intensity and demand. It is all to gain in terms of learning.
Coach Nahuel García acknowledged the steep learning curve ahead, admitting that the team's performance exceeded his expectations. "I must confess that the team gave more than I expected," he stated. The primary objective now is to secure a top-eight ranking by the end of the season, which would guarantee participation in six tournaments against the world's best in the following season. This goal, while ambitious, is not out of reach for a team that has consistently defied expectations. For us at La Nación, this debut is more than just a game; it's a celebration of the growth and potential of Argentine women's sports on the international platform.
The great objective of the Yaguaretés is to be in the top 8 of the ranking once the tournaments in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux conclude.
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.