Atlético del Rosario embarks on a new chapter this Saturday as they debut in the Top 14 Macro Cup, the premier competition organized by the Buenos Aires Rugby Union (URBA). Following their successful promotion from First A, the team from Gould Passage will face a significant challenge in their first match against La Plata at the Manuel Gonnet stadium. This marks a pivotal moment for the club, signaling their return to a higher level of competition within Buenos Aires rugby.
The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m., with Juanse Maio officiating. This inaugural Top 14 contest represents not only a sporting event but too a testament to the club’s growth and ambition. The competition’s new format, featuring a double round-robin schedule among the 14 participating clubs, promises a demanding yet exciting season for Atlético del Rosario. The top four teams at the season’s complete will advance to the semifinals, culminating in a single-elimination playoff to determine the champion.
Atlético del Rosario enters this season with a revamped leadership team, comprised of coaches Juan Manuel Queirolo, Marcelo Valesani, Julio García, and Juan Pablo Estelles. This new coaching structure aims to build upon the team’s recent successes and establish a strong foundation for sustained performance in the Top 14. Their opponent, La Plata, presents a familiar challenge, having experienced a similar trajectory of ascent and descent from the Top 12 in recent years. Both clubs share a history of battling for prominence within the Buenos Aires rugby landscape.
A Clash of Resurgent Teams
La Plata narrowly avoided relegation last season, securing their place in the Top 14 by defeating San Luis in a hard-fought contest. This resilience demonstrates their competitive spirit and determination, qualities that Atlético del Rosario will need to counter effectively. Both teams are coming off successful 2024 campaigns – Atlético del Rosario securing promotion and La Plata maintaining their Top 14 status – setting the stage for a closely contested match. The teams’ shared history of navigating the challenges of promotion and relegation adds an extra layer of intrigue to their first encounter.
Atlético del Rosario will be looking to leverage their characteristic attacking style, focusing on a “live ball game” that prioritizes quick ball movement and creative playmaking. However, they acknowledge potential challenges in securing possession and maintaining defensive solidity, areas where they experienced difficulties in their previous stint in the Top 12 in 2024. Improvements were noted in 2025, albeit against lower-tier opposition, suggesting a developing tactical approach. The team’s ability to adapt and refine their game plan will be crucial as they face the increased intensity of the Top 14.
La Plata, is a young and ambitious squad that recently won the First “A” championship in 2024. Despite their youthful energy, they struggled to find consistency in the Top 12 in 2025, fighting to maintain their position throughout the season. This experience has likely instilled a sense of determination and resilience within the team, preparing them for the challenges ahead. The contrast in team profiles – Atlético del Rosario’s experienced leadership and La Plata’s youthful exuberance – promises a dynamic and engaging contest.
Squad Updates and Key Players
Atlético del Rosario will be without several key players who are currently competing in the Super Rugby Americas with Capibaras XV and Yacaré XV. Bautista Estelles, Jeronimo Gomez Vara, and Lisandro Dipierri represent Capibaras XV, even as Valentino Marciali plays for Yacaré XV. These players are expected to rejoin the club upon the conclusion of the Super Rugby Americas tournament, bolstering the squad’s depth and experience. Martiniano Aimé and Santiago Vitola have guest status with Capibaras XV but are not contracted players, adding a layer of flexibility to the team’s roster.
The confirmed lineups for Saturday’s match are as follows:
La Plata: Ariel Del Cerro, Joaquín Nuñez, and Martín Patat; Bautista Ozog and Iván Kucic; Segundo Pineda, Nicolás Chiappani, and Tomás Bernasconi; Manuel De la Fuente and Santino Di Lucca; Pedro Addiechi, Francisco Paz Rizzoli, Francisco Cejas, and Facundo Panigatti, Federico Sica Manuele.
Atlético del Rosario: Ezequiel Reyes, Ramiro Rubio, and Bruno Montenegro; José Cáceres and Octavio Capella; Ignacio Sapino, Francisco Echenique, and Lucas Malanos; Felipe Nogués and Manuel Nogués; Nicolás Casals, Santiago Vitola, Ramiro Musio, and Juan Cruz Bertero; Martin Elias.
The Broader Top 14 Landscape
Beyond the Atlético del Rosario versus La Plata clash, the first round of the URBA Top 14 features a series of compelling matchups. Hindu will face Los Tilos at Larrubia, Champagnat will host CASI at Houghton, Alumni will take on CUBA at Jauri Rivero, Newman will play Buenos Aires at Rossi, SIC will battle Belgrano Athletic at Bertazza, and Los Matreros will welcome Bella Vista Regattas at Federico. These matches will provide a comprehensive overview of the competitive balance within the league and set the tone for the season ahead.
Leadership and Captaincy
Tomás Malanos has been named captain for Atlético del Rosario this season, a testament to his leadership qualities and commitment to the club. However, his participation in Saturday’s match is uncertain due to discomfort experienced during the last training session. The team is taking a precautionary approach, prioritizing his long-term health and potentially resting him until further evaluation. Santiago Vitola is poised to step in as captain if Malanos is unable to play, demonstrating the team’s depth of leadership.
Speaking with Ovación, Malanos expressed the team’s motivation and preparedness for the challenges ahead. He emphasized the team’s strong physical conditioning, honed during a rigorous preseason that included a training tour to Mendoza. Malanos acknowledged the importance of taking each game as it comes, focusing on consistent performance throughout the long season. He anticipates a tough encounter against La Plata, recognizing their physicality and strong home advantage.
“For me, This proves a pride and a remarkably nice responsibility,” Malanos said of his captaincy. “I am happy to be able to be one and that the boys have chosen me to represent them this year. Now we have to grant 100 percent and enjoy it.”
The URBA Top 14 promises a thrilling season of competitive rugby, with Atlético del Rosario poised to make a significant impact. Their debut match against La Plata will be a crucial test of their capabilities and a statement of intent as they strive to establish themselves as a force within the Buenos Aires rugby community. The team’s success will depend on their ability to blend experienced leadership with youthful energy, adapt to the challenges of the Top 14, and maintain a consistent level of performance throughout the season.
The next key date for Atlético del Rosario will be the release of the medical report on Tomás Malanos’s fitness, which will determine his availability for Saturday’s match. Fans and followers of the club are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates and to support the team as they embark on this exciting new chapter. Share your thoughts on the upcoming season and the team’s prospects in the comments below!