Argentina Pursues 2035 Rugby World Cup Bid Amid Growing Domestic Interest

Building a World Cup Bid and Local Rugby Culture

The growth of the sport is closely tied to the performance of the national team. While the Pumas have faced historical challenges against top-tier competition—managing only one win in their past 16 meetings with England—the team has found significant success at home. They have maintained an undefeated record at the 30,000-capacity Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, which opened in 2021, securing victories there against both Scotland and South Africa.

Tensions and Reconciliation in the England Rivalry

The rivalry between Argentina and England has intensified in recent years, marked by both competitive high-stakes matches and off-field friction. A notable incident occurred in November, when Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi was involved in a heated tunnel exchange with England flanker Tom Curry at Allianz Stadium. Contepomi publicly accused Curry of being a bully who swore at him during the encounter.

However, ahead of the most recent series, Contepomi moved to de-escalate the situation. In a public statement, the coach offered an apology while emphasizing his respect for the player’s talent.

“If I said something that hurt or offended him, I apologise publicly. But I have nothing against him. There was an incident in the heat of the moment, but I don’t take it personally and I don’t want to make anything personal with Tom because I’m sure he’s a great lad as well.”

Contepomi further clarified that he views the England fixture as a major rivalry but not because of any off-field altercations, noting that Curry is a world-class player. This reconciliation effort aims to shift the focus back to the pitch, where England has recently held the upper hand, including a series victory in Argentina last summer that extended their winning streak against the Pumas to five matches.

Fan Engagement and the Future of the Pumas

As the Pumas prepare for their upcoming matches, the team is banking on the support of a vocal home crowd. Contepomi has frequently highlighted the distinct atmosphere that Argentine fans bring to the stadium, drawing comparisons to the country’s intense football culture.

“It’s very close to Tucuman, which is a huge rugby province. I’d expect a proper rugby crowd. Hopefully, if we give them a reason to shout and sing, Argentinians are Latin people – we make noise and we love supporting our teams. Hopefully it’ll be a noisy crowd.”

While the team aims to improve its standing as a top-four international side, the broader strategy remains focused on expanding the sport’s footprint. As RugbyPass reports, the international landscape is shifting with the introduction of the Nations Championship, which is currently streaming for global audiences. For Argentina, success in these championship fixtures and a potential 2035 World Cup hosting nod are seen as essential steps to solidify rugby’s place in the nation’s sporting hierarchy. The path forward for the Pumas relies on both tactical improvements against teams like England and the continued investment in the local infrastructure that makes the sport a growing passion for Argentine fans.