World Rugby

Uruguay U20 Rugby Team Makes History At World Rugby U20 Trophy Tournament

Uruguay U20 Rugby Team Makes History At World Rugby U20 Trophy Tournament

The Uruguay U20 Rugby team defeated Six Nations side Scotland to seal a place in this year's World Rugby U20 Trophy competition in Kenya against Spain

Jul 26, 2023 by Philip Bendon
Uruguay U20 Rugby Team Makes History At World Rugby U20 Trophy Tournament

South American nation Uruguay are known more for their remarkable football feats than rugby exploits. 

Yet, today on a rugby pitch in Nairobi, Kenya, history was made as their U20 side completed a first-ever victory over a tier one nation as they defeated Scotland. 

Competing in the World Rugby U20 Trophy, the Uruguayans saw off their more fancied Six Nations opponents to seal the top spot in Pool B. 

The victory set up a final against Spain, who defeated Samoa, a team who had never lost a pool game at this level. 


Sunday’s final continues a trend of Spanish-speaking countries rising through the rugby ranks. Argentina's Los Pumas has Historically led the way for Latin nations in the oval ball game. 

However, at this year’s Rugby World Cup, three South American-speaking countries will compete as Los Pumas are joined by Uruguay’s senior team and Chile. 

Returning to the U20 level, Uruguay’s rather dominant 37 – 26 victory ensures that Scotland will remain in the second division of age-grade rugby for another season. 

More importantly, however, it sets up a real opportunity for two emerging rugby nations to duke it out for a place at the top table next season.