Chile Advances Over Colombia Rugby in RWC 2023 Qualifier for Health Reasons

Chile Rugby indicated today that the 3 July Rugby World Cup 2023 South American Qualifier match in Valparaiso between Chile and Colombia will not be played for health reasons. Three cases of COVID-19 were detected in the Colombian team.

Chile advances to the next phase to play both Brazil and Uruguay in a triangular competition to determine the South American winner. Brazil advanced to this round after last week’s 29-0 win over Paraguay.

Dr. Juan Pablo Toledo, chief of the medical area of Chile Rugby, for the National Deportiva Federation of Rugby, referred to the suspension saying that ′′ although in sports it is regrettable that the meeting should not be held, it is important to emphasize and to calm to the wider community that all the protocols needed for the care and well-being of the players have been made and followed.”

He added ′′ both delegations are doing very well in the health bubble created where strict protocols are maintained and where we are in constant contact with the health authorities in the area.”

Brazil, Chile & Uruguay South American Rugby Triangular RWC Qualifier

Brazil vs Chile 11 July, Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay vs Lowest Ranked SAR Qualifier Team (Brazil is currently ranked 26 & Chile 29) 17 July, Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay vs highest ranked SAR Qualifier Team, 25 July, Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo, Uruguay

The top two from the triangular tournament in Montevideo will progress to face North American opposition.

Game one of South America vs North America series will be between the champion from the two respective hemispheres. The winner of this match will qualify for RWC 2023 as Americas 1. The losing team will face the winner of South America 2 vs North America 2. The winner of that contest will qualify for RWC 2023 as Americas 2.

The North America qualifier will have Canada hosting the United States on 4 September at Swiler’s Rugby Park in St. John’s, Canada. The second match will be played on 11 September at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado.

Canada has announced that they will play a South American team on 2 October at Starlight Stadium in Langford, British Columbia. This assumes that the USA advances as North American 1 team.