Rosario, Argentina – A new force is emerging in the Super Rugby Americas competition with the arrival of Los Capibaras XV, representing the Argentine Littoral region. Founded in 2025, the team is poised to make its debut in the 2026 season, bringing the total number of Argentine teams in the league to four – a significant milestone for the nation’s rugby development. This expansion underscores Argentina’s growing prominence within the Super Rugby Americas framework, now accounting for half of the competition’s teams.
Los Capibaras draw their players from rugby clubs across Rosario, Entre Ríos and Santa Fe provinces, effectively uniting a historically strong rugby corridor. The creation of this franchise follows the establishment of Los Tarucas (Tucumán), Los Pampas (Buenos Aires), and Los Dogos (Córdoba), solidifying a regional approach to professional rugby within Argentina. The Super Rugby Americas league also includes teams from Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, fostering a competitive environment across the continent. Americas Rugby News detailed the team’s formation in December 2025.
A Regional Identity Forged in Rugby
The name “Los Capibaras” reflects the region’s natural environment, referencing the capybara, the world’s largest rodent, commonly found in the Litoral area. The team’s roster, comprised of 43 players, is a blend of contracted professionals and invitational players, with a strong emphasis on local talent. A remarkable 39 players hail from the Litoral region itself, demonstrating a commitment to developing the area’s rugby base. The remaining players bring experience gained from professional engagements abroad, adding a layer of international expertise to the squad.
Jockey de Rosario is heavily represented within the inaugural roster, contributing nine players. Estudiantes, Duendes, and Atlético del Rosario each provide five players, while Tilcara boasts three, and Paraná Rowing and CRAI contribute two each. Further clubs from El Litoral, including Santa Fe Rugby, Uni de Santa Fe, Cha Roga, Logaritmo, Los Caranchos, Uni de Rosario, and GER, each have one player on the team. This broad representation highlights the depth of rugby talent within the region. Rosario leads in player representation with 23, followed by Entrerriana with 11, and Santa Fe with five, mirroring the population distribution of the area. The Americas Rugby News report provides a detailed breakdown of the roster composition.
The Squad: A Mix of Local Talent and Returning Professionals
The Capibaras XV squad for the 2026 Super Rugby Americas season includes a core group of players poised to make their mark. While a complete list of all 43 players wasn’t available in the initial reports, key positions are beginning to take shape. The front row features loose head prop Pedro Annunziata, hookers Manuel Cuneo, Bernardo Lis, and Martín Vaca, and tight head prop Enzo Avaca. The team is under the guidance of head coach Nicolás Galatro, who previously coached Cafeteros Pro and Dogos XV. According to Wikipedia, Galatro was confirmed as coach in November 2025.
The team will play its home matches at the Jockey Club de Rosario, a historic venue for Argentine rugby. The selection of this location underscores the importance of Rosario as a central hub for the sport in the Litoral region. The Capibaras XV aims to not only compete at a high level but also to serve as a catalyst for further rugby development within its catchment area. The team’s formation represents a significant investment in the future of the sport in Argentina, providing a pathway for local players to reach the professional ranks.
Key Players and Coaching Staff
While a comprehensive list of players remains forthcoming, the initial roster announcements highlight several key individuals. Manuel Bernstein and Ignacio Gandini have been named as captains, providing leadership both on and off the field. The inclusion of players returning from professional experiences abroad suggests a strategic effort to blend local talent with international expertise. The coaching staff, led by Nicolás Galatro, brings a wealth of experience to the franchise, positioning the Capibaras XV for success in the competitive Super Rugby Americas league.
The Capibaras XV’s emergence is a testament to the growing popularity of rugby in Argentina and the commitment to developing the sport at all levels. The team’s regional focus and emphasis on local talent are expected to resonate with fans throughout the Litoral region, fostering a strong sense of community and support. The 2026 Super Rugby Americas season promises to be an exciting one, with Los Capibaras XV poised to make a significant impact.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season and Beyond
The 2026 Super Rugby Americas season will be a crucial period for Los Capibaras XV as they establish themselves as a competitive force within the league. The team’s success will depend on its ability to integrate its players, execute its game plan, and build a strong team culture. The coaching staff will play a vital role in guiding the team through the challenges of its inaugural season, while the players will be responsible for delivering consistent performances on the field.
Beyond the immediate goals of the 2026 season, Los Capibaras XV has a broader vision of contributing to the long-term development of rugby in the Litoral region. The team aims to inspire the next generation of players, provide opportunities for local talent, and foster a thriving rugby community. The establishment of this franchise represents a significant step forward for Argentine rugby, demonstrating the country’s commitment to expanding the sport’s reach and impact.
The team’s home ground, Jockey Club de Rosario, is expected to become a focal point for rugby fans in the region, hosting exciting matches and community events. Los Capibaras XV’s success will not only benefit the team itself but also the wider rugby community in the Litoral region, creating a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the field of play.
The next key date for Los Capibaras XV will be the release of the full 2026 Super Rugby Americas schedule, allowing fans to plan their attendance at matches and support the team throughout the season. Further updates on the team’s roster and preparations will be released in the coming weeks, providing fans with a closer seem at the players and coaching staff who will represent the Litoral region on the Super Rugby Americas stage. We encourage readers to follow the team’s progress and share their thoughts and support in the comments below.
